tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50150302191406695202015-03-03T17:28:27.296+00:00Me and my shadowLiz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.comBlogger965125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-87251566818865222872015-03-03T14:55:00.001+00:002015-03-03T14:59:58.779+00:00Sausage making and a butchery day course<div style="text-align: justify;">A few weeks back, while me and Ruby were spending time with the chickens down on <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/egg-collecting-at-church-farm.html" target="_blank">Church Farm</a>, the old man was taking up his Christmas present - a one-day butchery course with <a href="http://www.farm2table.co.uk/" target="_blank">Farm 2 Table</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a meat-eating family I think it's important to understand where our meat comes from and to try and buy it as responsibly as possible.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A bit of a closet foodie, he was really looking forward to this hands-on experience with father and son team Tony and Louis.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The day started with a tour of the farm explaining the importance placed on rearing the animals in a stress-free environment. &nbsp;As we were staying too, we were allowed to join the group and although we've been round the farm many times it was interesting to hear about the animals from a meat-rearing perspective.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Louis talked about how they'd moved their business from Smithfields market and they now sell produce through the farm shop and growing online business. &nbsp;He spoke enthusiastically about animal welfare and how their business ethics match the ethos of the farm.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After a bracing walk around the farm, the guys donned their whites and retired to the cold store area, with a variety of pigs and cows hung ready for butchering.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cr4IezlyQIM/VPXFdkL_57I/AAAAAAAAWhc/iYfBC899_bk/s1600/CF%2BMeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cr4IezlyQIM/VPXFdkL_57I/AAAAAAAAWhc/iYfBC899_bk/s1600/CF%2BMeat.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">They learnt about how long each animal should be hung - they use 16 days minimum for beef, although pork can basically be butchered straight away. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the farm, the poultry are slaughtered on site but larger animals are sent to a nearby abattoir. &nbsp;The team described the local&nbsp;abattoir&nbsp;and their methods for transporting and minimising distress to the livestock. &nbsp;The animals are given an overnight stay to allow them to relax fully after their short journey. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The course was very hands-on from the beginning and the staff spoke passionately about the art of butchery and articulated what a skilled profession it actually is.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the day, the attendees were very lucky. &nbsp;Bad weather and snow had put many of the others booked on the course off, so only 2 hardy would-be butchers arrived that Saturday and because of that they got extra special attention.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All the necessary health and safety briefings out of the way, they were given half a pig each and set to work under the butcher's guidance cutting various joins and preparing meat for bacon and sausages.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>"I was stuck by how technically skilled they both were with the knives and the speed in which they sharpened their knives constantly was both hypnotic and terrifying! &nbsp;Every butcher has their own individual knives, sharpened to their personal preference."</b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqD3Gqp4A8A/VPXD4a1DjrI/AAAAAAAAWhA/xOys-QYNYIk/s1600/CF%2BSaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqD3Gqp4A8A/VPXD4a1DjrI/AAAAAAAAWhA/xOys-QYNYIk/s1600/CF%2BSaw.jpg" height="640" width="612" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The course teaches an overview of all the various cuts of meat and equips delegates with the knowledge of what to look for when buying meat, and also what cheap tricks some of the big companies use to fob unsuspecting customers off with the inferior quality cuts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"I was amazed how meticulous and careful they were to avoid waste when boning the meat."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The pigs return to the farm butchery with the kidney attached, evoking childhood memories of pork chops with deep red kidneys - something you don't see anymore.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXcHUhfqjZU/VPXEagMXPoI/AAAAAAAAWhI/Z6r4yYnctLY/s1600/CF%2BCarcass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXcHUhfqjZU/VPXEagMXPoI/AAAAAAAAWhI/Z6r4yYnctLY/s1600/CF%2BCarcass.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Both Tony and his assistant talked continuously about their motivation for putting the course on - they wanted people to understand what goes into butchery and that you don't have to buy over-processed supermarket meat. &nbsp;There are companies who care about the life of the animal and maintain what, in many senses is a dying industry. They're passionate about passing skills on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a discussion about changing fashions in cuts of meat. Time was the pig's head and feet were thrown away because nobody wanted them, but now with high-end restaurants serving trotters and cheeks they've become sought after again.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a break for lunch when the trainee butchers popped into the cafe on the farm and enjoyed a hearty Red Poll beef burger with a new-found respect and reverence for the food they were eating.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After lunch, they observed Tony butchering one of their cows, showing how to cut the various well-known fillets of beef - sirloin, rump, fillet, chateau briand etc&nbsp;(at £700 worth of meat they were hardly going to let the amateurs loose on this!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0OtNhxs1bE/VPXFAqzSajI/AAAAAAAAWhU/8Hj_LoyesFM/s1600/CF%2BBeef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0OtNhxs1bE/VPXFAqzSajI/AAAAAAAAWhU/8Hj_LoyesFM/s1600/CF%2BBeef.jpg" height="274" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Next it was time to start preparing the pork for sausage making. &nbsp;This is one of the most popular parts of the course, they even put on special hen night sausage making sessions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of the cuts they'd prepared before were fed through a giant mincer before being mixed with rusk and a seasoning of salt and pepper. It's good to know that Church Farm butchers counter sell &nbsp;only decent sausages with no ropey bits in! &nbsp;The mixture is kneaded before the fun part commences.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-21RN6Not0rI/VPXGbt0LVOI/AAAAAAAAWho/7TCf7dyFPGU/s1600/CF%2BSausage%2Bmince.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-21RN6Not0rI/VPXGbt0LVOI/AAAAAAAAWho/7TCf7dyFPGU/s1600/CF%2BSausage%2Bmince.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the barrel is filled with the mixture, the tricky manoeuvre to attach the sausage skin over the nozzle and using your knee to start the machine you'd better be ready for when the sausage machine starts firing out the meat under high pressure! &nbsp;It's very Generation Game, you need to keep a pace as though unravelling a garden hose at speed. &nbsp;In a matter of a minute you've got 12 ft of sausage. &nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdsQppKZCTg/VPXHYktJUXI/AAAAAAAAWhw/mUye1N5zuEU/s1600/CF%2BSausage%2Bmaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdsQppKZCTg/VPXHYktJUXI/AAAAAAAAWhw/mUye1N5zuEU/s1600/CF%2BSausage%2Bmaking.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The super-long sausage is then twisted into sections, and they were taught how to tie them into traditional strings. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>"Each butcher seems to have his own personal preferred technique for doing this, and watching them was mesmerising their hands working at 100 mph."</b></i></div><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpqYY4GZ3P8/VPXIB6KYbJI/AAAAAAAAWh4/JyhG2nfqA_I/s1600/sausages%2Bhanging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpqYY4GZ3P8/VPXIB6KYbJI/AAAAAAAAWh4/JyhG2nfqA_I/s1600/sausages%2Bhanging.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, they returned to the butcher's counter in the shop laden with goods - armfuls of sausages, chops, pork belly, fillet of pork. &nbsp;In the shop a customer had just asked for some burgers so they had the added bonus of learning how to make beef patties for too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P284ay38ccE/VPXIbm13TFI/AAAAAAAAWiA/r-DqcwpUcrc/s1600/CF%2BMaking%2Bburgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P284ay38ccE/VPXIbm13TFI/AAAAAAAAWiA/r-DqcwpUcrc/s1600/CF%2BMaking%2Bburgers.jpg" height="542" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><b>"I was struck by the high level of skill involved. &nbsp;More importantly, I was left with a profound sense of a team of people with a genuine passion about what they're doing and a desire to bring great-tasting, happy meat to the public, and to help people understand that farming can be done in a sustainable and ethical way."</b></i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-L9lbEPcgA/VPXI1v95c5I/AAAAAAAAWiI/zURtqTnC8q0/s1600/CF%2BBurgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-L9lbEPcgA/VPXI1v95c5I/AAAAAAAAWiI/zURtqTnC8q0/s1600/CF%2BBurgers.jpg" height="612" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">He came away after a long day with loads of packets of sausages and other meat to fill our freezer back home. As we were all staying the night on the farm in one of their lodges, we rustled up a hearty dinner on the camp stove of homemade sausages, fresh bread from the farm shop baked on site and fried eggs which myself and Ruby had collected. &nbsp;Talk about eating locally!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to Tony and the team for a great day. &nbsp;You can find out more about the courses on the <a href="http://www.farm2table.co.uk/" target="_blank">Farm 2 Table website</a>&nbsp; or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/farm2tablefanpage?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The courses take place at Church Farm, Ardeley near Stevenage, Herts on various dates and run from approximately 10:30 - 4:30.</div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-75269366418255130672015-03-01T17:55:00.005+00:002015-03-01T17:55:51.554+00:00Get your Craft On March Challenge - Eggs!<div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last month the lovely <a href="http://kidschaos.com/sheep-crafts-get-your-craft-on/" target="_blank">Kids Chaos</a> hosted the #GetYourCraftOn challenge with loads of lovely fluffy sheep crafts linked up - just in time for lambing season, celebrating the year of the sheep, or those Shaun the Sheep fans!</span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This month we're looking ahead to Easter and it's all about eggs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUBr5UIeiUc/VPNSKDY16lI/AAAAAAAAWek/EmhmMc6Mawc/s1600/GYCO%2BEggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUBr5UIeiUc/VPNSKDY16lI/AAAAAAAAWek/EmhmMc6Mawc/s1600/GYCO%2BEggs.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crafts using eggs, egg shells, decorated eggs, plastic eggs, polystyrene eggs, pictures or models of eggs...interpret it as you will.</span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Share your Egg Crafts photos on Instagram, or over on Twitter, using the hashtag&nbsp;<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/kVEBmGpq65/" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">#GetYourCraftOn</strong></a>, </span>add your link to the linky below, and we’ll pick the best ones to feature here on the host blog the following month.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We love to see your crafts old and new and work in progress.</span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Just share a link or image on social media using the #GetYourCraftOn hashtag, and link up here.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our team’s four&nbsp;Instagram accounts are:&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://instagram.com/missielizzie" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@missielizzie</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/redtedart" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@redtedart</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/bluebearwood" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@bluebearwood</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://instagram.com/domesticgoddesq" target="_blank">@domesticgoddesq</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;</span><a href="http://instagram.com/incredibusy" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@incredibusy</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We can't wait to see what you come up with and I'm looking forward to getting inspired for Easter.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/thumblink.php?owner=missielizzie&amp;postid=01Mar2015&amp;meme=12311" type="text/javascript"></script>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-59601485849505414592015-02-26T13:34:00.003+00:002015-02-26T18:54:57.395+00:00My Better Place - Flitwick Wood<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm so lucky to have a beautiful woodland practically on my doorstep. &nbsp;Truth be told it's one of the reasons we moved here - having a green and natural space nearby was up there with good schools and transport links.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As soon as I walk into a wood, the stresses and strains dissolve away, my heart-rate seems to slow and I can breathe deeply. &nbsp;I can forget about my workload and deadlines waiting for me at home, or the pile of dishes on the drainer waiting to be cleaned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's <a href="http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-5Z5B95" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">scientific evidence</a> that forests have a positive effect on mental and physical wellbeing, but I don't need medical research to tell me that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Any forest will do for me, but my local one is a place I return to time and time again. &nbsp;Whether it's walking the dog, an outing with the family or an escape on my own.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Walking on the cushiony soft floor, built up of layers of spongey moss and mulch of leaves is a million times more relaxing than pounding a pavement. &nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-en8P09FtE/VO8eA2DnYUI/AAAAAAAAWbA/DnWK2qXU4Z0/s1600/forest%2Btree%2Bfloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-en8P09FtE/VO8eA2DnYUI/AAAAAAAAWbA/DnWK2qXU4Z0/s1600/forest%2Btree%2Bfloor.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaRW-XvrnMU/VO8eNhQzIpI/AAAAAAAAWbI/Wtv8Eng98Co/s1600/forest%2Bfloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaRW-XvrnMU/VO8eNhQzIpI/AAAAAAAAWbI/Wtv8Eng98Co/s1600/forest%2Bfloor.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's an oasis of calm, you'd never know you were minutes away from a busy main road and a stones-throw from a sprawling housing estate. &nbsp;The trees absorb the modern-day noise and commotion, leaving only a cacophony of birdsong and the sound of squirrels cawing from their leafy dreys way up high.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Without fail, every time I'm here I hear the illusive Woodpecker rat-a-tatting on a tree in the distance, his hammering sending confusing echoes around the forest. &nbsp;Only once have I ever caught a glimpse of his red and black plumage, but one day I'll spot him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I'm alone, without the rumpus of my daughter cavorting through the leaves, or the scent of the dog wafting through the air, sometimes I'll catch sight of a solitary deer grazing from the forest floor. He'll spot me and turn on his heels his white tail bobbing away into the distance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a deciduous woodland, but even in the depths of winter there's always so much to see. &nbsp;The green luminescent moss and lichen clinging to trunks and branches bring year-round soul-gladdening colour.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSqXWIAct0k/VO8eZPBa4BI/AAAAAAAAWbQ/vISvoYfzw9s/s1600/photo%2Bmoss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSqXWIAct0k/VO8eZPBa4BI/AAAAAAAAWbQ/vISvoYfzw9s/s1600/photo%2Bmoss.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvQXKNJfCHQ/VO8eiMdozII/AAAAAAAAWbY/2qHUywW2_BE/s1600/forest%2Btree%2Bover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvQXKNJfCHQ/VO8eiMdozII/AAAAAAAAWbY/2qHUywW2_BE/s1600/forest%2Btree%2Bover.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the mix of old gnarly dead trees, blown over in long-forgotten storms, and whippy new saplings springing up with youth and vigour from the fertile ground.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's not a season I don't adore in the forest, and this time of year it's all about spotting new life peeking through. &nbsp;The shoots of bluebells are coming up, getting ready to carpet the floor in an azure display. &nbsp;Then it will make way to the wild garlic, the air will fill with a pungent heady aroma and I'll come with my basket to collect leaves and flowers for <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/wild-garlic-pesto.html" target="_blank">pesto</a>. &nbsp;Later in the year we'll suck sweet nectar from honeysuckle flowers and pick plump blackberries from the bramble, and in the winter we're dazzled by the ruby red berries on the holly trees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeTQ3sfoWEQ/VO8euzIZ-uI/AAAAAAAAWbg/nKRzLIRn8w4/s1600/forest%2Bbluebells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeTQ3sfoWEQ/VO8euzIZ-uI/AAAAAAAAWbg/nKRzLIRn8w4/s1600/forest%2Bbluebells.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDZKhSdJyuA/VO8e2h5oA3I/AAAAAAAAWbo/vlKQeRMee4I/s1600/forest%2Bgate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDZKhSdJyuA/VO8e2h5oA3I/AAAAAAAAWbo/vlKQeRMee4I/s1600/forest%2Bgate.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once I'm through the gate, I'm enveloped by the ancient space. A feeling of calm and safety washes over me. &nbsp;This place is timeless. &nbsp;No cars; telephone poles, street lights or satellite dishes. &nbsp;In my mind I'm an ancestor of myself from a bygone time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This woodland has been here since pre-Norman times, and we're still enjoying it today. &nbsp;If you value &nbsp;the tranquility of our country's natural spaces, get out there and enjoy them and fight to protect them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you want to visit Flitwick wood for yourself, you'll find a map&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Flitwick+Town+Council/@52.0032679,-0.5094774,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48764cb882e8cbc3:0x2050e0e9a9f746cc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This #BetterPlaces post is in support of the Syndol Find Your Better Place campaign with Britmums. Syndol is now formulated for headaches. &nbsp;Visit <a href="http://www.syndol.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.syndol.co.uk</a> for online resources with information about headaches and how to restore calm in your life.</div><div class="yiv6264326774" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424949926874_39173" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40.5px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="yiv6264326774" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424949926874_39173" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40.5px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-29565170384450027422015-02-25T08:11:00.000+00:002015-02-25T20:06:02.056+00:00Nutmeg at Morrisons Spring/Summer 2015 rangeWith range names like 'picnic', 'sugared almond', 'blueberry' and 'elderflower' you just know that this season's clothes at <a href="http://your.morrisons.com/Nutmeg-Landing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nutmeg</a> are going to evoke memories of traditional childhoods, long summer days at the beach, playing out til sunset and walks in the countryside.<br /><br />We're fans of Nutmeg clothing, it offers great value for money, is produced in accordance with their ethical trading policy and yet is well made and hard wearing.<br /><br />We love the extra design features and the thoughtful details making them comfortable to wear, such as super soft fabrics; printed itch-free labels; adjustable waistbands and items designed so children can dress themselves independently.<br /><br />Here's some of our favourite items we put to the test from the clothes currently in store.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY78RMujooY/VOyI4xMAn5I/AAAAAAAAWY8/cwdcTuw2qBY/s1600/Nutmeg%2BRain%2Bmac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutmeg Morrisons Spot print rain mac" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY78RMujooY/VOyI4xMAn5I/AAAAAAAAWY8/cwdcTuw2qBY/s1600/Nutmeg%2BRain%2Bmac.jpg" height="640" title="Nutmeg Morrisons Spot print rain mac" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHtTXHvZ5LU/VOyJV57wqZI/AAAAAAAAWZE/h5pTeKmUXQM/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bmac%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutmeg Morrisons Spot print rain mac coat" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHtTXHvZ5LU/VOyJV57wqZI/AAAAAAAAWZE/h5pTeKmUXQM/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bmac%2B1.jpg" height="466" title="Nutmeg Morrisons Spot print rain mac coat" width="640" /></a></div><br />This stone coloured spot printed mac is one of our favourites. &nbsp;Perfect for April showers and very chic. &nbsp;We love the pocket and belt tie details. For ages 5-13 priced at £14-£16 depending on age.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ52A3Vksh0/VOyKqYJ407I/AAAAAAAAWZQ/ER6SnTwI6RU/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bflower%2Bjumper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutmeg Morrisons Flower jumper" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ52A3Vksh0/VOyKqYJ407I/AAAAAAAAWZQ/ER6SnTwI6RU/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bflower%2Bjumper.jpg" height="640" title="Nutmeg Morrisons Flower jumper" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0x6TFuYEN7M/VOyLOQP_5hI/AAAAAAAAWZc/FoSwb0Uhpiw/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bflower%2Bjumper%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutmeg Morrisons Flower jumper" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0x6TFuYEN7M/VOyLOQP_5hI/AAAAAAAAWZc/FoSwb0Uhpiw/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bflower%2Bjumper%2B1.jpg" height="640" title="Nutmeg Morrisons Flower jumper" width="426" /></a></div><br />Flower print jumper in navy and ecru, priced at £9-10 for ages 5-13 years. Great teamed with denim.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9lw0nORa5s/VOyMem6CI7I/AAAAAAAAWZw/kIZ1jDRmxlc/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bdemins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutmeg Morrisons Denim jacket and shorts" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9lw0nORa5s/VOyMem6CI7I/AAAAAAAAWZw/kIZ1jDRmxlc/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bdemins.jpg" height="640" title="Nutmeg Morrisons Denim jacket and shorts" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HCGBJmb_hc/VOyM3lIu8oI/AAAAAAAAWZ4/fOcZhfS76ME/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bdenim%2Bjacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutmeg Morrisons Denim jacket" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HCGBJmb_hc/VOyM3lIu8oI/AAAAAAAAWZ4/fOcZhfS76ME/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bdenim%2Bjacket.jpg" height="640" title="Nutmeg Morrisons Denim jacket" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvTbw1anbt4/VOyNOYhYbqI/AAAAAAAAWaA/N3N72lS5ICc/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutmeg Morrisons Denim Shorts" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvTbw1anbt4/VOyNOYhYbqI/AAAAAAAAWaA/N3N72lS5ICc/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bshorts.jpg" height="640" title="Nutmeg Morrisons Denim Shorts" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The denim shorts are perfect for spring teamed with tights or leggings, seeing you through to the summer months when they can be worn on their own. &nbsp;The cute embroidery and crochet detail makes these a bit more special. &nbsp;Priced at £7. A denim jacket is a wardrobe staple, we love the printed heart detailing on the buttons, priced at just £12. Navy spot long sleeved top is from a pack of 3 priced at £8.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UnuIo3MK24/VOyONk_2WSI/AAAAAAAAWaQ/pybfCUCwPj8/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bcorsage%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutmeg Morrisons Stripe Corsage Jumper" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UnuIo3MK24/VOyONk_2WSI/AAAAAAAAWaQ/pybfCUCwPj8/s1600/Nutmeg%2Bcorsage%2B.jpg" height="640" title="Nutmeg Morrisons Stripe Corsage Jumper" width="426" /></a></div><br />Navy and ecru stripe jumper with flower corsage £8. &nbsp;This is a really pretty sweater, just the right amount of femininity but without the usual saccharine girliness.<br /><br />So, which is your favourite garment? &nbsp;We can't wait for the next phases of the collection to be launched and will be keeping our eye out in Morrisons.<br /><br />Disclosure: We attended the SS15 press launch and were given a voucher to purchase some items to review.<br /><br /><br />Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-51276481297018571932015-02-24T09:55:00.003+00:002015-02-24T20:15:48.274+00:00Shopkins So Cool Fridge Series 2 ReviewShopkins are the new kid on the block in our house and Ruby's completely hooked on the new craze. &nbsp;Mini products that you'd buy at the grocery store, these little characters are great for little collectors.<br /><br />I love that you can buy the individual characters for just a small amount, meaning they are a great pocket money toy that she can treat herself too, and the complimentary play sets such as the So Cool Fridge are perfect gifts for Shopkins-mad fans.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg1NRqh-XNE/VOxIw8FSVjI/AAAAAAAAWYs/WAjDZgX2VMw/s1600/shopkins%2Bset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shopkins Series 2 So Cool Fridge" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg1NRqh-XNE/VOxIw8FSVjI/AAAAAAAAWYs/WAjDZgX2VMw/s1600/shopkins%2Bset.jpg" height="440" title="Shopkins Series 2 So Cool Fridge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Each purchase comes with a collectors guide and there are coveted exclusive characters to hunt down and add to your collection. &nbsp;With over 100 different cute characters in each series, this range is on to a winner!<br /><br />The So Cool Fridge is a great addition as it makes a brilliant store for your characters - the fridge holds around 35 Shopkins characters so I'm sure we'll test that out as our collection grows.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XhIOIjtX7m4" width="420"></iframe> <br /><br />The fridge itself is just like our real kitchen fridge in that it has opening fridge and freezer doors, working drawers and a cool 'drinks dispenser' where you can dispense Shopkins drinks characters into the glass which comes with the set.<br /><br />Also included are 2 shopping bags, so you can unload your new characters into the fridge just like real shopping, and 2 sheets of stickers which you can decorate your fridge with like magnets.<br /><br />Ruby has described it as 'totally awesome', 'epic' and 'so cool' - I think this new vocabulary is coming from too many hours of watching YouTube, but it's all great kudos for Shopkins!<br /><br />It's a great toy, sturdy and well made. &nbsp;There's no assembly making it perfect for kids who just want to get stuck right in and play without having to wait for something to be built and there's tonnes of play value in it.<br /><br />Check out Ruby's video to see what she thinks to it.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cJgb7CsO-Sw" width="420"></iframe> <br /><br />Purchase the Shopkins So Cool Fridge now on Amazon (eligible for Amazon Prime free delivery)<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=GB&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=meanmysh-21&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=GB&amp;placement=B00Q8NFGCK&amp;asins=B00Q8NFGCK&amp;linkId=AWPD5AVHT2SFQLOT&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;">(Affiliate link)</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Reviewed in association with Flair. We received this toy set to review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.</div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-39195299483249146222015-02-12T13:37:00.001+00:002015-02-13T20:44:29.265+00:00Rooms Made For You - Innovative Solutions For Your Walls<div style="text-align: justify;">Now, I don't know about you, but I've never considered plaster or plasterboard to be much of a consumer product. &nbsp;It's not like we ever give it much thought when decorating our home or building an extension - simply book a plasterer and let them get on with it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But <a href="http://www.roomsmadeforyou.british-gypsum.com/" target="_blank">British Gypsum Rooms Made For You</a>&nbsp;are changing all that, with a new range of innovative products which will make your walls work harder for you and perform more of a function than just being the perimeter of your room.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TD_hg4xba7o/VNyp_TVxk4I/AAAAAAAAWXc/pvuZBx92gc0/s1600/Living%2BRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TD_hg4xba7o/VNyp_TVxk4I/AAAAAAAAWXc/pvuZBx92gc0/s1600/Living%2BRoom.jpg" height="640" width="386" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsenjKAJY68/VNyqRBnj5CI/AAAAAAAAWXk/PlJlLvodStI/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsenjKAJY68/VNyqRBnj5CI/AAAAAAAAWXk/PlJlLvodStI/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The three new products you'll want to discuss with your plasterer when doing any home renovation now are:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.roomsmadeforyou.british-gypsum.com/thistle-magnetic-plaster.aspx" target="_blank">Thistle Magnetic Plaster</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.roomsmadeforyou.british-gypsum.com/lifestyle-wall.aspx" target="_blank">Lifestyle Wall</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.roomsmadeforyou.british-gypsum.com/silent-floor.aspx" target="_blank">Silent Floor</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I attended a showcase of these products and my mind is literally buzzing with possibilities of incorporating these into my home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We went to the stunning Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard, and after being awestruck by the views, got down to demonstrations of the products.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Thistle Magnetic Plaster:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was certainly my favourite of the three products, giving a mind-blowing amount of possibilities for styling your home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The specialist plaster is applied just like regular plaster. &nbsp;You can then paint it, paper it, decorate it however you like. &nbsp;BUT, it's hidden secret is that it will hold magnets as if by magic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Imagine being able to decorate as simply as popping a magnet on a wall? &nbsp;You can change your style as often as you like with absolutely no damage to the walls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Perfect for organisation walls in kitchens; playrooms for displaying artwork and storing toys; home offices for storage of paperwork and stationery; pop up your seasonal decorations without any blue tak or drawing pins...endless possibilities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had some fun with the glue gun and some magnets making all kinds of items to stick to the walls, the crafting and upcycling possibilities are incredible.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHwd2UOyQow/VNyox17GmPI/AAAAAAAAWXI/2m25iisZYdE/s1600/magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHwd2UOyQow/VNyox17GmPI/AAAAAAAAWXI/2m25iisZYdE/s1600/magnets.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I've started a Pinterest board full of ideas because this really is a product I want to incorporate into my home and the next room which is tackled will definitely be getting the magnetic treatment - I'm only gutted we've just had our kitchen replastered. &nbsp;Although, you can retro-fit and plaster just small areas of existing walls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/missielizzieb/magnetic-wall-ideas/">Follow Liz Burton's board Magnetic Wall Ideas on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is also a fun little <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbJAP1x0HJw" target="_blank">video testing the weight limits for hanging items on the magnetic wall</a>. &nbsp;Bookcase full of books? &nbsp;A TV screen? &nbsp;You'd be amazed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lifestyle Wall:</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lifestyle Wall is a plasterboard product from British Gypsum with a new internal core making it much more durable than standard plasterboard. &nbsp;It will withstand all the daily knocks and bumps kids can throw at it, but more than that, it allows you to fix items to the wall without any drilling or specialist fixings.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was a revelation for me. &nbsp;I'm not a proficient DIYer and often projects wait for ages to get completed because it involved the hassle of trekking out to the shed to find the drill. &nbsp;Invariably it's flat and needs charging first. Then there's the nightmare of finding the right drill bit and that's before the headache of having to work out which rawl plug to use. &nbsp;Plus the fact of course that I'm not very good with power tools!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lifestyle Wall takes all these problems away. &nbsp;You can simply hand screw directly into it, with regular screw - no need for special plasterboard plugs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A single screw fixing can safely hold up to 15kg of weight as was demonstrated to us below. &nbsp;Imagine the ease of putting up mirrors, TVs, book shelves, coat hooks... I think this will give a lot of people a lot more independence when it comes to DIY.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srR_WQ82oS4/VNyoLuDzTSI/AAAAAAAAWXA/-KOmesQ-WoU/s1600/weight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srR_WQ82oS4/VNyoLuDzTSI/AAAAAAAAWXA/-KOmesQ-WoU/s1600/weight.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Because you don't need whacking great wall plugs, removal is easy too and you can simply fill, sand and re-paint if you want to change your room around, giving much more flexibility to adapt your home around changing needs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUgQwBvpoFg/VNynX9YMouI/AAAAAAAAWW4/YAigz_ExZcQ/s1600/screw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUgQwBvpoFg/VNynX9YMouI/AAAAAAAAWW4/YAigz_ExZcQ/s1600/screw.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had a timed test and I managed to fix in 5 screws in 60 seconds - lets face it in that time I'd have still been looking for the key to the shed to go out and find the drill!</div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9LCm0SOnG3s" width="560"></iframe> <b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Silent Floor:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Awarded the Quiet Mark by the Noise Abatement Society, this product is a real bonus in any family home, as well as shared dwellings and apartments.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the home being so multi purpose and people requiring the ability to have parties; friends round; play or practice music; &nbsp;work from home; listen to audio-visual equipment as well as <i>sleep </i>this sound-reducing flooring (or it can be used as ceilings) really comes into it's own.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We listened to a demonstration of sound carried from a downstairs TV to an upstairs bedroom both with and without Silent Floor and the results were really noticeable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Silent Floor can reduce noise by up to 15db which is over and above the standard building regulations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With us planning to convert our garage into a family room, it's something we're going to seriously consider given that there's a bedroom above.</div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tIuexQ9juUo" width="560"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Special thanks to British Gypsum and Rooms Made For You for sharing these innovations with me. &nbsp;I attended a showcase event and was compensated for my time.<br /><br />Find out what some of my fellow bloggers thought of the products and check out these lovely blogs:<br /><br /><a href="http://theanamumdiary.co.uk/2015/02/11/revolution-home-rooms-made/" target="_blank">The Ana Mum Diary</a><br /><a href="http://lovechicliving.co.uk/rooms-made-changing-face-diy/" target="_blank">Love Chic Living</a><br /><a href="http://thewhiteapproach.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/british-gypsum-rooms-made-for-you-event.html" target="_blank">The White Approach</a></div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-80905909947543192222015-02-11T16:57:00.004+00:002015-02-12T11:12:40.777+00:00Marmite Chocolate Lollies<div style="text-align: justify;">You either love it or hate it right?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, I LOVE it, and combined with chocolate it's possibly the most sublimely delicious thing EVER.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Marmite/Chocolate combo is not a new thing. &nbsp;Ever since the whole sweet n salty thing kicked off with salted caramel, people have been coming up with unusual combinations. &nbsp;Ownership of the original Marmite Chocolate Cupcake recipe is hotly contested and Marmite are even bringing out their own Easter egg.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But this is a simple DIY make you can do at home. &nbsp;They'd be perfect for a handmade Valentine's Gift - will you find your Marmite-loving soul mate, or do opposites attract?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZGbye9tMYk/VNuIvhiNp7I/AAAAAAAAWWY/hzgOLb5fPtE/s1600/Marmite%2BIngredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marmite chocolate lollies recipe" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZGbye9tMYk/VNuIvhiNp7I/AAAAAAAAWWY/hzgOLb5fPtE/s1600/Marmite%2BIngredients.jpg" height="480" title="Marmite chocolate lollies recipe" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You'll need:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">75g good quality dark chocolate</li><li style="text-align: justify;">1/4 teaspoon Marmite</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A silicone lolly mould and lolly sticks</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Melt your chocolate in a glass bowl over a pan of water.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once fully melted, stir in the Marmite making sure it's fully combined.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pour into the moulds, gently tapping to remove air bubbles. &nbsp;Insert your sticks and smooth over the chocolate.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2y7fSceZOIQ/VNuI7t1uxqI/AAAAAAAAWWg/k81TuvahLZs/s1600/Marmite%2BMade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make Marmite chocolate lollies " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2y7fSceZOIQ/VNuI7t1uxqI/AAAAAAAAWWg/k81TuvahLZs/s1600/Marmite%2BMade.jpg" height="640" title="How to make Marmite chocolate lollies " width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Leave to set at room temperature first before transferring to the fridge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pop out and wrap with cake pop cellophane wrappers and a ribbon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a self-confessed Marmite lover, I can't say this for sure, but I think even those dissenters may like this if they like salty and sweet together. &nbsp;It doesn't have the full-on meaty, yeasty taste of Marmite, just a subtle, completely moreish saltiness which means that one will never be enough.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So - Marmite: are you a lover or a hater?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMi11p6Ybnk/VNuJEMk1QMI/AAAAAAAAWWo/BUTAICgsAeE/s1600/Marmite%2Bwrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marmite Chocolate Lolly" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMi11p6Ybnk/VNuJEMk1QMI/AAAAAAAAWWo/BUTAICgsAeE/s1600/Marmite%2Bwrapped.jpg" height="480" title="Marmite Chocolate Lolly" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.amummytoo.co.uk/2015/02/recipeoftheweek-7-13-feb/"><img alt="Link up your recipe of the week" class="alignnone" src="http://www.amummytoo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/recipe-of-the-week.png" height="150" width="150" /></a><br /><br /></div><a href="http://honestmum.com/tasty-tuesday/"><img alt="Tasty Tuesdays on HonestMum.com" src="http://i.imgur.com/9VwhltV.jpg" height="125" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></a>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-78474461225532333922015-02-09T14:48:00.002+00:002015-02-13T10:31:06.288+00:00Egg Collecting at Church Farm, Hertfordshire<div style="text-align: justify;">We've been to Church Farm at Ardeley several times over the past year, and enjoyed many happy hours there camping and wandering around the farm.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This weekend we found ourselves back there again as the Old Man was taking up his Christmas present and being a Butcher for the day. &nbsp;We planned to make the most of it and stay in one of their cabins - even we are not crazy enough to get the tent out in February!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This left Ruby and I with the whole day to entertain ourselves and after walking around the fields, enjoying tea and cake at the tearoom and stocking up on treats, Ruby was booked in to do the <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/camping-at-church-farm-ardeley.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">egg collecting</a> activity in the afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, we'd <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/camping-at-church-farm-ardeley.html" target="_blank">done this before</a> but I knew she'd love to do it again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Visiting the farm is free, as is parking, and egg collecting sessions cost either £5.95 or from £7.50 if you want to keep and take home half a dozen eggs. The session lasts for around an hour, but we were incredibly lucky and because of the snow on the surrounding roads, it was a very quiet day. &nbsp;We were treated like VIPs on our own private tour and we both had such a wonderful time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since we were last there, a new member of staff has joined the team. 'Chicken Dave' was the absolute perfect host, totally hitting the mark with his knowledge, fun approach and non-patronising way with Ruby. &nbsp;He was a joy to talk to.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDFNrWvkxTo/VNjAxNoKCgI/AAAAAAAAWU4/8Ue6G2XklL8/s1600/CF%2BChicken%2BDave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDFNrWvkxTo/VNjAxNoKCgI/AAAAAAAAWU4/8Ue6G2XklL8/s1600/CF%2BChicken%2BDave.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was going to say what Chicken Dave doesn't know about chickens isn't worth knowing. &nbsp;Except, so passionate about the chook's welfare is he, he's constantly striving to learn more, observing them, studying their behaviour, moderating their coops and environment and doing all he can to make them the happiest chickens possible.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By 'thinking like a chicken' he can understand how to make them more comfortable. &nbsp;He could recite off all the requirements and measurements for optimum poultry welfare, but always wants to go one better.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These truly are happy eggs from happy chickens.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrKu4GgyFII/VNjG_QppKuI/AAAAAAAAWWI/KlSMxfoJMHA/s1600/CF%2BChook%2Bdrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrKu4GgyFII/VNjG_QppKuI/AAAAAAAAWWI/KlSMxfoJMHA/s1600/CF%2BChook%2Bdrink.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Besides chickens, there are also ducks and turkeys living side-by-side and one Guinea fowl. &nbsp;We were told the charming tale of how the turkeys were saved from Christmas, and Dave pointed out some of the different behaviours between the different birds.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9LfcROLogU/VNjA_KQP6mI/AAAAAAAAWVA/RARFbxW69wo/s1600/CF%2BTurkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9LfcROLogU/VNjA_KQP6mI/AAAAAAAAWVA/RARFbxW69wo/s1600/CF%2BTurkey.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The ducks like to dig holes in the ground to find water to drink, and use the drinking stations to swim in!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F97H768nYAo/VNjC1KB1oDI/AAAAAAAAWVM/0zk3TaAUZcI/s1600/CF%2BDuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F97H768nYAo/VNjC1KB1oDI/AAAAAAAAWVM/0zk3TaAUZcI/s1600/CF%2BDuck.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We went into the laying sheds and scooped up all the eggs laid - 163 in all that day. &nbsp;As I was gently fumbling around under one very obliging Rhode Island Red, she stood up and popped an egg out right there and then for me. &nbsp;It was steaming hot, such a special moment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Htm-RvhlM-I/VNjC_1FlteI/AAAAAAAAWVU/a4s8pjQviuA/s1600/CF%2BHen%2Bshed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Htm-RvhlM-I/VNjC_1FlteI/AAAAAAAAWVU/a4s8pjQviuA/s1600/CF%2BHen%2Bshed.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ruby helped fill up the feeders, and Dave showed us how to fork over the ground to expose juicy bugs for them to forage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AQMrKwdbz4/VNjGCxbdIoI/AAAAAAAAWVo/1nkF7C0lzoI/s1600/CF%2BTrough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AQMrKwdbz4/VNjGCxbdIoI/AAAAAAAAWVo/1nkF7C0lzoI/s1600/CF%2BTrough.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbp_UkB1cvg/VNjF37zOL3I/AAAAAAAAWVg/cS2pjcJ8bvQ/s1600/CF%2BWhite%2Bhen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbp_UkB1cvg/VNjF37zOL3I/AAAAAAAAWVg/cS2pjcJ8bvQ/s1600/CF%2BWhite%2Bhen.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We learned so much and it was brilliant chatting and exchanging tips from the time when we kept chooks in our garden. &nbsp;It made me realise how much I miss my girls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the collecting, it was time to take the haul back to the farm office where all the eggs are logged, cleaned, graded into size, stamped and boxed for sale in the farm shop.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUoCtCqPvYg/VNjGMIUqVxI/AAAAAAAAWVw/5e3TTsg5x4M/s1600/CF%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUoCtCqPvYg/VNjGMIUqVxI/AAAAAAAAWVw/5e3TTsg5x4M/s1600/CF%2Beggs.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Great bit of maths practice for Ruby - 30 times tables anyone?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dave obviously saw how interested we were in the chickens and we were honoured when he asked if we'd like to meet him back after dusk and see the chickens go to sleep. &nbsp;Ruby busied herself writing them a bedtime poem, and we met him, armed with torches at 6pm.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we crept into the enclosure we could see all the different sleeping habits of the birds. &nbsp;The turkeys standing guard outside the door of the hen house like big burly bouncers. &nbsp;The gaggle of white ducks parading the perimeter fence, ever alert for foxes. &nbsp;The re-homed chickens from a caged farm, huddled together in a tiny corner, still not aware that they have all the space in the world. &nbsp;The natural pecking order of the cock and the No. 1 girls who get the best perch. &nbsp;Some with their heads tucked under their wings. The other girls all puffed up and huddled together in a cosy bundle drifting off to sleep...all of them softly purring.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHZeL8dnbSI/VNjGU_sDzlI/AAAAAAAAWV4/sgnpGkrvB5M/s1600/CF%2BChickens%2Bwhite%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHZeL8dnbSI/VNjGU_sDzlI/AAAAAAAAWV4/sgnpGkrvB5M/s1600/CF%2BChickens%2Bwhite%2Bbed.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqjma837JsQ/VNjGialwLDI/AAAAAAAAWWA/I7SrMbpsZQk/s1600/CF%2BChickens%2Bsleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqjma837JsQ/VNjGialwLDI/AAAAAAAAWWA/I7SrMbpsZQk/s1600/CF%2BChickens%2Bsleeping.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sneaking into the coop at night was such a treat. &nbsp;It smelled warm and cosy, it was calm and peaceful compared to the racket they make during the day. Everyone had their own place and was comfy and settled for a good night's sleep. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm so glad we got to see this, because it really was a special sight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After wishing them all sweet dreams, we quietly crept out, switched on the electric fence to keep them safe from Mr Fox, and headed back to our cosy cabin for hot chocolate and snuggles by the wood burner.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Special thanks to Chicken Dave for sharing his knowledge and passion for the chickens with us. &nbsp;It's great to know they're in such good hands.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Linking up with Country Kids and Animal Tales.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coombemill.com/blog/category/Country-Kids.aspx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Country Kids from Coombe Mill Farm Holidays Cornwall"><img alt="Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall" border="0" src="http://www.coombemill.com/images/blog/country_Kids/thumbs/th_Country_Kids_badge_transparent.png" title="Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://eco-gites.blogspot.fr/p/the-animals-tale.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="ANIMALTALES" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gT0ttySxugA/VGsNjdqfIcI/AAAAAAAAF8E/ALOUcdRSZTw/s1600/Animal%2BTales%2BBadge%2BFinal.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a></div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-25489930307066935362015-02-05T14:56:00.002+00:002015-02-05T14:56:49.564+00:00Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Mums-To-Be (and a giveaway!)<div style="text-align: justify;">My daughter's due date was Mother's Day. &nbsp;Predictably, she dragged her heels and didn't finally put in an appearance til 10 days later and I was pretty miffed I'd have to wait a whole year for my first Mother's Day!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But to be honest, I think pregnant mammas deserve to be treated on Mother's Day. &nbsp;They should be pampered and spoiled, after all they've carrying a huge responsibility around in their tummies for 9 months.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But what gift can you by for a mum-to-be for Mother's Day? &nbsp;Well I've rounded up some fabulous treats to suit all budgets.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>A positive birth.</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't think a prospective dad could give any better gift than ensuring the mother of his child experiences a calm birth. &nbsp;Resolve to learn coping techniques along with her and be a rock of support when push comes to shove (pardon the pun).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gt_i9Pcy-Y/VNN2esRdOaI/AAAAAAAAWTs/lthsIRBlDRU/s1600/The%2BCalm%2BBirth%2BSchool.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gt_i9Pcy-Y/VNN2esRdOaI/AAAAAAAAWTs/lthsIRBlDRU/s1600/The%2BCalm%2BBirth%2BSchool.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.thecalmbirthschool.com/" target="_blank">The Calm Birth School</a> offer an online antenatal hypnobirthing course which can be done together, from the comfort of your own home. &nbsp;Perfect for busy couples who struggle to find time to get to regular classes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The classes are delivered in the form of videos direct to your inbox, and is backed up with supportive telecons and a private Facebook community of experts and peers to share any worries or concerns you have.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of hypnobirthing is to allow you to fully understand your body and it's capabilities, have faith and trust in your own abilities and to arm you with deep relaxation techniques to help you stay calm and in control throughout pregnancy and birth.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6xGb_qrhbg/VNN2Rzkn5LI/AAAAAAAAWTc/9uDnxxVcy4A/s1600/The%2BCalm%2BBirth%2BSchool%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6xGb_qrhbg/VNN2Rzkn5LI/AAAAAAAAWTc/9uDnxxVcy4A/s1600/The%2BCalm%2BBirth%2BSchool%2B3.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit Philippa James Photography</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Founders Suzy and Hollie are both experienced hypo-birthing practitioners, and busy mums. &nbsp;Their no-nonsense attitude and down-to-earth manner will instantly put you at ease.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>No vagina-whispering, kumbaya-singing, goddess-channeling nonsense.</b></i></span></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Just scientifically-proven calming and relaxation techniques, so that</b></i></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>you know what is happening in your body and how to work with it.</b></i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The full course cost £150 and you can sign up for free initial sessions&nbsp;<a href="http://thecalmbirthschoolfreeclasses.instapage.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mum-To-Be Pamper Parcels</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.pamperparcels.co.uk/mum-to-be/" target="_blank">Pamper Parcels</a> is a wonderful company with a real eye for beautiful, ethically sourced gifts. &nbsp;Each item in their gift parcels is meticulously researched and only included if it meets their high standards. &nbsp;You'll find organic; fair-trade; small&nbsp;business produced&nbsp;products with no animal testing; using recycled packaging and natural ingredients. &nbsp;You can be sure you're gifting only the best for mum-to-be.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pamperparcels.co.uk/product/mum-to-be-pamper-parcel/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylnFewpfg_U/VNN759d4YJI/AAAAAAAAWUE/RbN13kpCN0s/s1600/mum%2Bto%2Bbe.jpg" height="462" title="Mum-to-Be Pamper Parcel" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum to be Pamper Parcel £60</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A beautifully luxurious treat for any pregnant lady, she can feel pampered and indulged with this set, hand wrapped and sent through the post with a personal message.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Contains:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">1 x Burt’s Bees belly butter</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">1 x Burt’s Bees foot and leg cream</span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 x Green People nurture body lotion</span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 x1 Tisserand luxury bath soak</span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 x Montezuma milk chocolate bar</span></div></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Smaller Pamper Parcels are available at £35, £30 and £25.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Promise Vouchers</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a low budget, but super-thoughtful gift for any mum-to-be. &nbsp;Design and print out your own book of IOU vouchers to be redeemed when she fancies. &nbsp;I promise to paint your toenails? &nbsp;I promise to do a midnight dash to the all-night garage and fetch Creme Eggs/Dr Pepper/Pickled Onion Monster Munch? I promise to rub stretch mark cream on your tummy?</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DCqW4siS-8/VNN-vcomoKI/AAAAAAAAWUQ/kBDo5J2Kvb4/s1600/promise%2Bvouchers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DCqW4siS-8/VNN-vcomoKI/AAAAAAAAWUQ/kBDo5J2Kvb4/s1600/promise%2Bvouchers.jpg" height="288" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Download your free printable ones <a href="http://www.tescoliving.com/family-and-kids/kids-zone/make-and-colour/2014/march/cut-out-printables-mothers-day-iou-templates" target="_blank">here.</a></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Pregnancy and Baby Diary</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We've all heard the expression 'pregnancy brain'. &nbsp;Well it's true, we'd forget our head if it wasn't screwed on. &nbsp;Must be all that trying to remember to take our folic acid and remembering what foods we can and can't eat, that everything else simply goes out of the window.</div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.mumsoffice.co.uk/quick-shop/mumspregnancybabydiary.html" target="_blank">Mum's Office</a> comes to the rescue with this elegant diary for keeping track of all the&nbsp;important dates and information and recording all those special milestones once baby comes along.</div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mumsoffice.co.uk/quick-shop/mumspregnancybabydiary.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MI7RAmWO9uA/VNOAWb3AjAI/AAAAAAAAWUc/vB3Zjs_nW4A/s1600/MPBD%2B-%2BImage%2B2.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum's Pregnancy Diary £16.95</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This undated diary comes in this season’s colour ‘peppermint’ with lizard-effect hardback cover, silver gilt-edged pages and ribbon markers. The luxurious journal is a perfect gift for new mums and mums-to-be this Mother's Day.&nbsp; It includes special pages to record the entire pregnancy: midwife appointments, scans, birth plan, classes, and pregnancy milestones; as well as tear-out shopping lists for baby and mum and a record of gifts received. &nbsp;The journal also has dedicated pages to help with packing your hospital bag, things to do before baby arrives etc.&nbsp; You will also find, need to know numbers, (an ‘In case I lose my mobile!’ section), not to mention a undated complete pregnancy diary for you to date (with a week-to-view double page spread) with signature ‘hot pink’ grid format for each week of your baby’s first year.&nbsp; Record baby’s milestones, special dates, immunisations, check-ups, first smile, first steps and much more. With plenty of extra space for general notes. &nbsp;This special book will become a wonderful keepsake in years to come.</span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mumsoffice.co.uk/quick-shop/mumspregnancybabydiary.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4pmpfGPqQg/VNOBsarkEjI/AAAAAAAAWUo/WuXPoIz6IFs/s1600/MPBD%2B3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mum's Office have kindly offered one of these diaries to one lucky reader. &nbsp;If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning this great prize, please complete the rafflecopter below. Closing date is midnight on Sunday 15th February 2015. UK entrants only please, one winner will be chosen at random.</span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Special thanks to Mum's Diary for providing the prize.</span></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.498039); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="088289c235" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/088289c235/" id="rcwidget_7fhac84o" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-29002384122883847602015-02-03T19:45:00.002+00:002015-02-03T19:45:37.983+00:00Surprises in the frozen food aisle<div style="text-align: justify;">When I do my supermarket shopping, I'm like a robot. &nbsp;I generally pick up the same things, I go to the same places on the shelves, I go up the same aisles. I am a creature of habit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are some aisles I rarely visit. &nbsp;The alcohol aisle for example (ok, that may be a lie). &nbsp;But the frozen food aisle is one I usually skip for sure. &nbsp;I have in my head it's full of chicken nuggets; chips; pizzas and any other kind of reconstituted, deep fried, saturated fat laden redy-meals you can imagine. I whizz up there briefly on the odd occasion that we've run out of frozen peas, or maybe for ice cream in the summer, but that's about it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been asked by The British Frozen Food Federation and Cool Cookery to challenge my perceptions, and throw myself head-first into the freezer section (not literally, that would be foolish. &nbsp;And cold).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to say, I was surprised. &nbsp;I literally had no idea the range of frozen fruit and vegetables that is on offer. &nbsp;Fish and meat too - actual pieces of real fish, not a breadcrumb in sight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Obviously the advantages of buying fruit and veg frozen are reduced waste - how often have we thrown limp carrots out of the fridge or squidgy strawberries? Frozen food keeps for so much longer, you only use what you need and pop the rest back for another meal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fast freezing after picking means that nutrients are retained better too, so the chances are a bag of frozen green beans are going to have more vitamins in that that bag of floppy beans that have been lurking in your salad drawer for the past fortnight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Put to the test of coming up with a meal using frozen produce, here's what I purchased:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 large bag of mixed veg - sadly the supermarket was out of stock of separate carrots and beans, so I bought them mixed and risked frostbite separating them for my recipes!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 bag of cod fillets&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 bag of chopped coriander - oh joy! &nbsp;Frozen herbs. &nbsp;Who knew? &nbsp;No more chopping, no more pots of droopy, sorry looking herbs sitting on the windowsill, now I can have proper, fresh tasting herbs in my cooking, without the maintenance of trying to keep pot plants alive!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPas6NiV4Qg/VNDOJGRvuTI/AAAAAAAAWSs/zfD-M_Rf0ZE/s1600/frozen%2Bveg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPas6NiV4Qg/VNDOJGRvuTI/AAAAAAAAWSs/zfD-M_Rf0ZE/s1600/frozen%2Bveg.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what did I make?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First up, carrot and coriander soup. &nbsp;One of our favourite soup flavour combos, but I was delighted to find I could whip up a batch of hearty, homemade soup in about 10 minutes. &nbsp;No peeling and chopping required. &nbsp;Perfect for a warming winter lunch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C4c4Vsh3W8/VNCzLmuaSTI/AAAAAAAAWSU/QTnD22r4fDI/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="carrot and coriander soup recipe" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C4c4Vsh3W8/VNCzLmuaSTI/AAAAAAAAWSU/QTnD22r4fDI/s1600/soup.jpg" height="484" title="carrot and coriander soup recipe" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe:</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">300g frozen carrots</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 pint veg stock (you can buy frozen stock, or make it up with a cube, or make your own from scratch)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 tablespoon frozen coriander</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Optional:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1cm piece of ginger, chopped and/or zest of half an orange</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Method:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Place your frozen carrots in a pan with the stock (include your ginger now if using). Bring to the boil.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Simmer for about 10 minutes (this depends on how thick your carrot pieces are). Check to make sure they're cooked.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Turn off heat and add the coriander. &nbsp;Stir in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blend with a stick blender or food processor, and stir in orange zest if using.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Serve with crusty bread or crutons.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffYBCkIhSGQ/VNCzXJ3aXnI/AAAAAAAAWSc/FSa-juNrSmU/s1600/Soup%2Bclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="carrot and coriander soup recipe" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffYBCkIhSGQ/VNCzXJ3aXnI/AAAAAAAAWSc/FSa-juNrSmU/s1600/Soup%2Bclose.jpg" height="640" title="carrot and coriander soup recipe" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This soup was delicious, every bit as good as the soup I make with fresh carrots. &nbsp;The colour was a little less vibrant than using fresh vegetables and herbs, but it tasted just as good.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Baked Cod with olives and chorizo</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Q3j7pqgxE/VNEiTNFpZ2I/AAAAAAAAWS8/zwhlDgs2oBg/s1600/fish%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baked cod with chorizo and olives recipe" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Q3j7pqgxE/VNEiTNFpZ2I/AAAAAAAAWS8/zwhlDgs2oBg/s1600/fish%2B1.jpg" height="480" title="Baked cod with chorizo and olives recipe" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is another family favourite &nbsp;which I adapted from a Jamie Oliver recipe. I usually make it with fresh cod and fresh vegetables, but this time I've substituted frozen fish and frozen green beans. &nbsp;The other items I usually have in my fridge or pantry, so it's a great one for a midweek meal. &nbsp;It's also a low--maintenance recipe requiring minimal washing-up - winner!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ingredients (per person)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 frozen cod fillet</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few slices of chorizo</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A handful of cherry tomatoes (halved or pricked so they don't explode!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A handful of frozen green beans</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A handful of olives</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Splash of olive oil</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Splash of lemon juice</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Salt and pepper to taste.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 180.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take a large piece of tin foil and fold it in half. &nbsp;Then firmly fold over the side edges a few times to make a parcel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Place all the ingredients except the fish in a bowl and toss together. Season with salt and pepper.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Spoon &nbsp;your vegetables and juice into the foil parcel and add the fish on top. Roll over the top edge of the parcel, but be sure to leave space for air and steam to circulate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stand on a baking tray and cook for approximately 30 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Carefully open the parcel at the top (be careful of the hot steam) and tip out onto a plate to serve, make sure to serve up the smokey spicy juice too - it's the best bit!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFCD_A7EoEc/VNEihPL-e_I/AAAAAAAAWTE/WmnVfs9VXvU/s1600/fish%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baked cod with chorizo and olives recipe" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFCD_A7EoEc/VNEihPL-e_I/AAAAAAAAWTE/WmnVfs9VXvU/s1600/fish%2B2.jpg" height="480" title="Baked cod with chorizo and olives recipe" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Again, I was pleasantly surprised with this dish using frozen ingredients. &nbsp;It took a little longer to cook than using fresh obviously, but the taste and ease of cooking was just the same.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My life would be so much simpler if I could knock up healthy family meals from the contents of my freezer instead of having to keep nipping to the shops for fresh meat, fish and vegetables, so I have to say, I'm a bit of a convert. &nbsp;I'm going to be checking out what other family favourites can be made from frozen now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With research showing the average family can save £250 on their grocery bill by using frozen ingredients and reducing waste, there's no reason not to really.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Disclosure: </b>I’m working with BritMums and&nbsp;<a href="http://coolcookery.co.uk/" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1422908752600_85364" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Coolcookery.co.uk</a>&nbsp;highlighting the versatility, economy and nutritional benefits of cooking with frozen food. All opinions are my own. For recipes and ideas visit&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/coolcookery" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/coolcookery</a>&nbsp; I have been compensated for my time.</span></div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-89210496769082401342015-01-30T10:31:00.003+00:002015-01-30T10:31:42.454+00:00Is fruit juice bad for you?<div style="text-align: justify;">We seem to be steering away from drinking fruit juices. &nbsp;With stark newspaper headlines about toddlers having tooth decay; sugar being the government's latest bogeyman and our obsession with 'super drinks' such as coconut water and now birch sap water, we're shying away from old fashioned fruit juices.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I fear we're in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater here.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seems to be reported as some kind of revelation in the press that a glass of orange juice contains sugar. &nbsp;There's screaming headlines about some juices containing more sugar than a can of coke.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fruit juice - the kind from pure fruit, with no added anything <b>does</b> contain sugar. &nbsp;It contains <i>naturally</i> occurring fructose that is present in the oranges or apples or whatever fruit it happens to be. &nbsp;How do you think fruit tastes sweet ? Fairy dust?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Personally I'm a firm believer in everything in moderation - hell, even water can kill you if you drink too much. &nbsp;I am happy to include pure fruit juice in my family's diet as part of a balanced intake.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Read beyond the headlines and you'll see the young child who had to have milk teeth removed because of tooth decay was drinking <b>loads</b> of fruit juice. &nbsp;Drinking it all day long, through a sippy cup that was pretty much permanently against the teeth all day long.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There seems to be a media witch-hunt against fruit juice at the moment. &nbsp;But honestly, there's a hell of a lot worse food and drinks out there with all kinds of added sweeteners and artificial nasties. &nbsp;I know what I'd prefer to drink.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unlike a lot of squashes and fizzy drinks, pure juice does actually contain a lot of good stuff.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not suggesting you drink gallons of the stuff. &nbsp;Just one (very) small glass of 150 ml of orange juice (to put that into perspective, most kids cartons contain 200ml of liquid) will count as one of your 5 a day and gives essential vitamin C, folate and potassium. &nbsp;This amount of juice will typically provide around half of your daily requirement of vitamin C. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One small glass folks. That's all. &nbsp;Drinking one glass of fruit juice will not suddenly make all your teeth fall out or instantly inflate your ass to the morbidly obese section of the scales. &nbsp;Despite what the Daily Mail says.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everything in moderation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With studies showing that only around 10% of pre-teen children are reaching their 5-a-day, then pure fruit juice is a very useful way of upping their fruit and veg quota. &nbsp;The vitamin C is also essential for girls as they reach puberty as it helps with the body's absorption of iron.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, orange juice can be bad for teeth. &nbsp;Of course it can. &nbsp;Both the naturally occurring sugar and the acid in the juice can affect dental health. &nbsp;Some simple ways to reduce the impact on teeth are not giving children juice in a bottle with a teat or in a sippy cup. &nbsp;You can also dilute pure fruit juice with water before drinking. If you're having fruit juice as part of your breakfast, brush your teeth first. &nbsp;This will remove all the bacteria that the acid reacts to. &nbsp;And brushing teeth at least an hour after drinking juice will prevent any damage to the enamel of the teeth which can become softened by acid. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's true to say also, that not all juices are equal. &nbsp;Those containing 'bits' or cloudy juices are better than the smooth variety because they will also provide some fibre from the fruit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Citrus fruits such as orange and grapefruit contain a much higher amount of vitamin C than apple or grape juice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, choose your juice wisely, go for citrus fruits, no added sugar but extra 'bits' and drink just one small glass as part of a healthy, balanced diet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJix7JIOixk/VMtal500_dI/AAAAAAAAWSE/YezXJJup1sw/s1600/juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJix7JIOixk/VMtal500_dI/AAAAAAAAWSE/YezXJJup1sw/s1600/juice.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Disclosure: I attended a round-table event with Tropicana to discuss the merits of fruit juice as part of a healthy lifestyle. &nbsp;It confirmed my pre-held beliefs on the subject.</div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-13009812782923621392015-01-16T08:36:00.000+00:002015-01-16T08:36:03.156+00:00Disney On Ice - Magical Ice Festival (New Frozen dates now added)<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pssst. &nbsp;Got an Elsa-mad small person running around your house busting out 'Let it Go' at full volume? &nbsp;Olaf-obsessed infants? &nbsp;Kids not interested in anything unless it's in that oh-so-frozen-particular shade of blue?</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well then you absolutely have to get yourself tickets for the brand new Disney On Ice extravaganza coming to the UK this Spring.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuDMDSjolzk/VLe_sCvEJII/AAAAAAAAWOg/9Ot6jIShbv8/s1600/disney%2Bon%2Bice%2Bice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuDMDSjolzk/VLe_sCvEJII/AAAAAAAAWOg/9Ot6jIShbv8/s1600/disney%2Bon%2Bice%2Bice.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Magical Ice Festival will be the first Disney on Ice show to feature Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven from the blockbuster Frozen.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NX2j8LxBbaE/VLfAMs5AZ2I/AAAAAAAAWOo/VJxDSIlWAn0/s1600/disney%2Bon%2Bice%2Belsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NX2j8LxBbaE/VLfAMs5AZ2I/AAAAAAAAWOo/VJxDSIlWAn0/s1600/disney%2Bon%2Bice%2Belsa.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieId_X7iypU/VLfArupJHMI/AAAAAAAAWOw/WMiEGk_Dtdk/s1600/Disney%2Bolaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieId_X7iypU/VLfArupJHMI/AAAAAAAAWOw/WMiEGk_Dtdk/s1600/Disney%2Bolaf.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seriously, could any other Disney film be better translated into an ice performance? &nbsp;It's just a match made in Disneyland.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Join hosts Mickey and Minnie, along with other characters including Ariel, Rapunzel and Belle for this high-tempo, all-singing, all-dancing performance.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We saw the <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/disney-on-ice-100-years-of-magic-review.html" target="_blank">100 years of Magic</a> show over Christmas so we can't wait to see Elsa and Anna on the ice.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tickets are selling super-fast, but there's new dates just been added for London, Cardiff and Birmingham and tickets for the additional Birmingham date go on sale <b>today</b> so grab them while you can.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">New dates added:</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div class="yiv4253351238MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76819" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76818" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Genting Arena, Birmingham&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76831" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76830" lang="EN-US">·<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76829">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76832" lang="EN-US">Wednesday, April 1, 7pm performance</span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76831" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76884" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76883" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SE Arena, Wembley, London&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76831" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76882" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76881" lang="EN-US">Wednesday, April 22, 7pm performance</span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76882" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76905" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76909" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff (29 April – 3 May):</span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76882" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76907" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76913" lang="EN-US">Friday, May 1, 11am performance</span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76907" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="yiv4253351238MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76907" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76777" style="background-color: white;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76776" lang="EN-US">Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival</span></i><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76774" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;is appearing across the UK from 11th March - 17th May 2015 in Aberdeen, Liverpool, Glasgow,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1421316100259_76781" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">Birmingham, London, Cardiff, Nottingham and Leeds. See&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.disneyonice.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: purple; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">www.disneyonice.co.uk</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;for ticket details and show times.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out our <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/disney-on-ice-100-years-of-magic-review.html" target="_blank">review of Disney On Ice 100 Years of Magic</a></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoQaEin5wrY/VLe8xv_hjAI/AAAAAAAAWOI/lSskogxrTRM/s1600/mickey%2Bballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoQaEin5wrY/VLe8xv_hjAI/AAAAAAAAWOI/lSskogxrTRM/s1600/mickey%2Bballoon.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For Frozen fans, see my <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/disney-frozen-party-ideas.html" target="_blank">Frozen inspired party ideas</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wxmqSAlugQ/VLe9-i8SugI/AAAAAAAAWOU/rGJsLp5HIG8/s1600/disney%2Bfrozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wxmqSAlugQ/VLe9-i8SugI/AAAAAAAAWOU/rGJsLp5HIG8/s1600/disney%2Bfrozen.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-24930948494498352672015-01-15T15:03:00.002+00:002015-01-15T15:03:47.212+00:00Recipe ideas for your leftover Christmas booze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRXcyF_Mygc/VLfJPLoYZ9I/AAAAAAAAWPA/rI8hRmolx1s/s1600/15%2Bboozy%2Brecipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRXcyF_Mygc/VLfJPLoYZ9I/AAAAAAAAWPA/rI8hRmolx1s/s1600/15%2Bboozy%2Brecipes.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">'Leftover alcohol?' I hear you cry. &nbsp;'What leftover alcohol?'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, bear with me, I'm sure we've all done it. &nbsp;Picked up a bottle of Aunt Maud's favourite tipple in case she comes to visit over the festivities. Bought bottles of spirits you've never heard of, perhaps you've even got a cupboard full of Snowballs?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can either leave them gathering dust in your drinks cabinet til next year(ooh get you with your drinks trolley), or you can get 'em open and slosh them into one of these delicious recipes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/apricot-almond-and-amaretto-tart.html" target="_blank">Almond, Apricot and Amaretto Tart.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crunchy toasted almonds on top of moist boozy frangipane - what's not to love?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/apricot-almond-and-amaretto-tart.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjWFhBr_i-E/VLfLGfMmTgI/AAAAAAAAWPM/ttg3fnO0tKs/s1600/Apricot%2C%2BAlmond%2B%26%2BAmaretto%2BTart.jpg" height="640" width="570" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cheetahsinmyshoes.com/cupcake-recipes/gin-sling-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Gin Sling Cupcakes.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The perfect way to welcome the warmer seasons ahead of us, hints of elderflower, cucumber and gin make this a perfect combo from <i>Cheetahs in My Shoes</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cheetahsinmyshoes.com/cupcake-recipes/gin-sling-cupcakes/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2WPgEKUTGs/VLfLpbR99NI/AAAAAAAAWPc/i0-6fpOF5Lc/s1600/gin%2Bsling%2Bcake.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2013/12/baileys-chocolate-luxe-christmas-bundt.html" target="_blank">Bailey's Christmas Luxe Bundt with Bailey's Buttercream, Ginger and Toffee Icing</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Woah, this is a seriously good looking cake from <i>Belleau Kitchen</i>. &nbsp;Who doesn't have a bottle of Bailey's knocking about after Crimbo? &nbsp;I can't think of a more delightful way to consume it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2013/12/baileys-chocolate-luxe-christmas-bundt.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-f1mbQqI5o/VLfMkkq7SwI/AAAAAAAAWPo/TZyGzEoPEoY/s1600/bailey's%2Bbundt4.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/caucasian-old-vodka-lemon-and-vodka-cake.html" target="_blank">Lemon Vodka Cake.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're not man enough to drink vodka neat, how about adding it to this light, citrus cake for a grown-up teatime treat?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/caucasian-old-vodka-lemon-and-vodka-cake.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6AM0UyOWiA/VLfLMBabqTI/AAAAAAAAWPU/Qi_P6kig2zg/s1600/vodka%2Bcake%2Bstand.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://fussfreeflavours.com/recipe-dark-stormy-cocktail-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Dark and Stormy Cocktail Cupcakes</a><br /><br />Using dark rum, these lightly spiced, gingery cupcakes from <i>Fuss Free Flavours</i> look devilishly good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fussfreeflavours.com/recipe-dark-stormy-cocktail-cupcakes/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLrBCdojah8/VLfNIctcfLI/AAAAAAAAWPw/E2mHJ-Qmp0s/s1600/Dark-and-Stormy-Cupcakes-Captioned.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://allyouneedisloveandcake.co.uk/2014/10/06/baileys-chocolate-orange-cheesecake/" target="_blank">Bailey's Chocolate Orange Cheesecake</a><br /><br />More Bailey's, this time in a rich cheesecake topped with chocolate orange segments from <i>All You Need is Love and Cake</i> (I say all you need is this cheesecake personally).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2BJeZS-39A/VLfNvFc-PeI/AAAAAAAAWP8/zAYotKY4D6g/s1600/Baileys-chocolate-orange-cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2BJeZS-39A/VLfNvFc-PeI/AAAAAAAAWP8/zAYotKY4D6g/s1600/Baileys-chocolate-orange-cheesecake.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.frugalfamily.co.uk/2015/01/leftover-baileys-irish-cream.html" target="_blank">Bailey's Chocolate Cupcakes</a><br /><br /><i>Frugal Family</i> has a whole post of ideas for leftover Bailey's cream, and just look at these glossy little babies!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frugalfamily.co.uk/2015/01/leftover-baileys-irish-cream.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wybkGABiTw/VLfOYGNCilI/AAAAAAAAWQE/AvrTlMvRum8/s1600/Leftover-Baileys-cupcakes-550x550.png" height="640" width="612" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.thecrazykitchen.co.uk/2011/12/cranberry-vodka-muffins.html" target="_blank">Cranberry Vodka Muffins</a><br /><br />If you're not quite ready to give up on Christmas yet, then these Cranberry infused vodka muffins are perfect - just not sure you'd get away with them for a healthy breakfast! &nbsp;From <i>The Crazy Kitchen</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thecrazykitchen.co.uk/2011/12/cranberry-vodka-muffins.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eisWQAczqYQ/VLfPLvotQJI/AAAAAAAAWQQ/Y6gPvD--Fb4/s1600/cranberry%2Bvodka.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.frugalfamily.co.uk/2014/12/cupcake-christmas-snowball-cupcakes-with-advocaat-frosting.html" target="_blank">Snowball Cupcakes with Advocaat Frosting</a><br /><br />Remember those Snowballs I mentioned? &nbsp;Well <i>Diary of a Frugal Family</i> turns that most peculiar drink into something altogether totally delectable looking.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frugalfamily.co.uk/2014/12/cupcake-christmas-snowball-cupcakes-with-advocaat-frosting.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrIG3DcgZsE/VLfRhSa_BgI/AAAAAAAAWQs/EXMMY3dm9wE/s1600/snowball.png" height="434" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.mummymishaps.co.uk/2013/10/choux-buns-with-a-baileys-malteser-white-chocolate-mousse-gbbo-7.html" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://www.mummymishaps.co.uk/2013/10/choux-buns-with-a-baileys-malteser-white-chocolate-mousse-gbbo-7.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Choux Buns with Bailey's, Maltesers and White Chocolate Mousse</a><br /><br />This recipe will not only use up your Bailey's but helpfully any leftover chocolate you may still have *whistles*. &nbsp;A very grown up take on the traditional eclair from <i>Mummy Mishaps.</i><br /><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mummymishaps.co.uk/2013/10/choux-buns-with-a-baileys-malteser-white-chocolate-mousse-gbbo-7.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WcIknUStfRg/VLfQ1AHP7CI/AAAAAAAAWQk/Z19lngavEAc/s1600/onechouxbun.jpg" height="640" width="578" /></a></div><i><br /></i><a href="http://www.mummymishaps.co.uk/2013/09/oreo-baileys-chocolate-petit-fours-gbbo-week-3.html" target="_blank">Oreo and Bailey's Chocolate Petit Fours</a><br /><br />Mummy Mishaps does it again with these divine little bites, so small you're surely allowed more?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mummymishaps.co.uk/2013/09/oreo-baileys-chocolate-petit-fours-gbbo-week-3.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-p9yMPCwyA/VLfSJ3BjUZI/AAAAAAAAWQ4/YE4fxQOfZfQ/s1600/oreonamebadhe.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mummymishaps.co.uk/2012/11/baileys-and-malteser-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Bailey's and Malteser Ice Cream</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And ya know, if you're looking for something to serve up with these beauties, you could do a lot worse than <i>Mummy Mishaps</i>' boozy ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mummymishaps.co.uk/2012/11/baileys-and-malteser-ice-cream.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq9G72O7ngY/VLfS3X7NXLI/AAAAAAAAWRA/0aOGYx70mMw/s1600/baileys%2Bice%2Bcream.jpg" height="640" width="548" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2013/09/summer-cake.html" target="_blank">Summer Cake with Pimms</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If all this is getting a bit too unhealthy for you, how about piling on ALL of your five a day atop this super luxurious cake from <i>Belleau Kitchen</i>. &nbsp;Yes, it's a 'summer' cake, but we all know we can get soft fruits all your round now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2013/09/summer-cake.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J6THV4bJn8/VLfTiJsOZQI/AAAAAAAAWRM/-75_ZpcxZ6M/s1600/summercake2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If baking's not your bag, then you could try out these <a href="http://theanamumdiary.co.uk/2013/02/03/a-cocktail-for-valentines-day/" target="_blank">romantic Valentine's cocktails</a> from <i>The Ana Mum Diary. &nbsp;S</i>ure to get pulses racing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theanamumdiary.co.uk/2013/02/03/a-cocktail-for-valentines-day/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZxCgBKsMVk/VLfUmJWUxtI/AAAAAAAAWRU/PRMUybC05_U/s1600/valentine's%2Bcocktails.jpg" height="640" width="634" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/chocolate-guinness-cake-pops-celebrate.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Guinness Cake Pops</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And hold on to your Guinness for St Patrick's Day to make up these rich, moist cake pops with suitably green decorations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_G5PYfOdHk/VLfVW-8L_aI/AAAAAAAAWRc/cIsYf22X2gA/s1600/Guinness%2BCake%2BPops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_G5PYfOdHk/VLfVW-8L_aI/AAAAAAAAWRc/cIsYf22X2gA/s1600/Guinness%2BCake%2BPops.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Which is your favourite? &nbsp;Have you got any half&nbsp;opened bottles lurking around?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br />Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-4886403358244385662015-01-06T12:59:00.003+00:002015-01-06T12:59:53.585+00:00Disney On Ice - 100 Years of Magic review<div style="text-align: justify;">A while before Christmas I booked us tickets to go and see the Disney On Ice Show as an extra Christmas treat. &nbsp;We went down to the O2 at Greenwich between Christmas and New Year and with a stopover in a hotel, made a mini holiday of it. &nbsp;It was a great way to break up the Christmas holiday and I remember the magic of being taken to Disney on Ice when I was little over 30 years ago, so I thought this would be some great memory making.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The show itself is a montage of many different hit Disney films, stretching back to Pinocchio and right up to modern times with Toy Story and The Incredibles. &nbsp;I guess the idea is to offer something for everyone, but I can't help thinking their choice of stories and characters missed the mark for the majority of the audience. &nbsp;I can think of more loved films to have included, and as a parent I was too old to remember many of them, and the younger audience (mostly 3-6 year olds dressed in Disney Princess dresses) were too young to recall the likes of Mulan and Aladdin - I heard lots of children around me asking their parents "who's that?".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, you didn't need to be familiar with all the shows to enjoy the spectacle and become enthralled by the skill of the skaters.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The costumes were spectacular. &nbsp;I have no idea how some of the dancers even stood up in them, let alone perform on the ice. &nbsp;I spent a lot of time staring at feet to see if they actually were wearing skates because the boots and blades blended in so well with the costumes. &nbsp;Some of the animal characters who were two people to an outfit astounded us in their synchronisation.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6TMD7mIRqw/VKvSzNBAvbI/AAAAAAAAWNI/GOFGR6Z1uJs/s1600/mickey%2Band%2Bminnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney on Ice Mickey and Minnie Mouse" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6TMD7mIRqw/VKvSzNBAvbI/AAAAAAAAWNI/GOFGR6Z1uJs/s1600/mickey%2Band%2Bminnie.jpg" height="640" title="Disney on Ice Mickey and Minnie Mouse" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The show is hosted by everyone's favourite mice, Mickey and Minnie who are greeted with smiles and cheers every time they appear. &nbsp;It opens with an Aladdin spectacular and a whole rink full of Genie's which is a captivating start to the performance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then we have fabulous costumes in the Finding Nemo section, with the smoke breathing Bruce the shark and bubbles falling from the sky to make us feel under the sea. &nbsp;The costumes of all the underwater creatures were just incredible.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zM9Z1z2haYQ/VKvTs2MFDMI/AAAAAAAAWNU/9QeNWdkmjeA/s1600/nemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney on Ice Finding Nemo" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zM9Z1z2haYQ/VKvTs2MFDMI/AAAAAAAAWNU/9QeNWdkmjeA/s1600/nemo.jpg" height="406" title="Disney on Ice Finding Nemo" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Next we moved on to some princess action with Beauty and the Beast and a moving rendition of the touching tale, which moved seamlessly into a whole gallery of famous princesses with their partners all dancing in pairs. &nbsp;There was Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White and Pocahontas, and this was Ruby's favourite part. &nbsp;So romantic! &nbsp;I'm no Jayne Torville so I can't tell you the technical names but the lifts and jumps these guys did where breath-taking.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cdepwENWwE/VKvT2y4uXfI/AAAAAAAAWNc/KxFMJohfiiM/s1600/disney%2Bbelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney on Ice Beauty and the Beast Belle" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cdepwENWwE/VKvT2y4uXfI/AAAAAAAAWNc/KxFMJohfiiM/s1600/disney%2Bbelle.jpg" height="426" title="Disney on Ice Beauty and the Beast Belle" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzr0Fj4C9Qg/VKvUI9nhz8I/AAAAAAAAWNk/1QcEhRhw5o4/s1600/belle%2Blift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney on Ice Beauty and the Beast Belle" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzr0Fj4C9Qg/VKvUI9nhz8I/AAAAAAAAWNk/1QcEhRhw5o4/s1600/belle%2Blift.jpg" height="502" title="Disney on Ice Beauty and the Beast Belle" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We had a quick zip through Toy Story with Woody, Jessie and Buzz and a whole platoon of green 'plastic' soldiers before ending the first half with a tribute to the famous Disney 'It's a Small World' ride. Again, lots of the children around me were a bit confused about this, but it was spectacular dancing, illumination and national costumes from around the world. &nbsp;It's only now looking at the picture I'm realising quite how phallic those arches look, I can't say I noticed it at the time!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHa5OnL26Gg/VKvUc5zwOUI/AAAAAAAAWNs/WUVCOLRYUDA/s1600/disney%2Bsmall%2Bworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney on Ice 100 Years Of Magic" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHa5OnL26Gg/VKvUc5zwOUI/AAAAAAAAWNs/WUVCOLRYUDA/s1600/disney%2Bsmall%2Bworld.jpg" height="640" title="Disney on Ice 100 Years Of Magic" width="546" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kc4LM11PzGc/VKvUw0d3k8I/AAAAAAAAWN0/Y29x92zKwaA/s1600/mickey%2Bballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney on Ice 100 Years Of Magic Mickey Mouse Balloon" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kc4LM11PzGc/VKvUw0d3k8I/AAAAAAAAWN0/Y29x92zKwaA/s1600/mickey%2Bballoon.jpg" height="640" title="Disney on Ice 100 Years Of Magic Mickey Mouse Balloon" width="416" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The interval came at about the right time for youngsters and it was time to get fleeced for merchandise and refreshments. &nbsp;This was my biggest grumble about the show. &nbsp;I know you've got to expect high prices for official merchandise, but let me warn you, if you want to buy drinks and refreshments, get them outside the arena itself. &nbsp;Everything came <i>with </i>something else so it wasn't possible to just buy a drink. &nbsp;Ruby wanted some candy floss, but the seller insisted you had to purchase it with a plastic gold crown with Mickey ears, and for that a bag of candy floss set us back the princely sum of £9. &nbsp;She also wanted a drink and the slush she chose had to be bought in a grotesque flashing light-up cup with a Mickey gloved-hand straw and scoop, and that robbed us of a further £11. &nbsp;Seriously, I've never paid so much for a bag of sugar and air and some frozen flavoured water in my entire life!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, after being relieved of the weight in our wallets, we sat down to the second half.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It reconvened with Pinoccio which I'm not sure was the right choice. &nbsp;I think at leaf half the audience had no clue who Jiminy Cricket was and it wasn't really up-tempo enough. &nbsp;When we moved on to Mulan I thought we might be bored through that one too as it's not a film we're familiar with. &nbsp;But I couldn't have been more wrong. &nbsp;It actually turned out to be my favourite part of the show with brilliant dancing, a tension building battle scene, an incredible Chinese dragon, great pyrotechnics and a very clever costume change for Mulan right in the middle of the ice. &nbsp;I'm really not sure how they managed that so seamlessly, it reminded me of a magic show. &nbsp;I was so enthralled I totally forgot to take any pictures.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally we had appearances from charters from The Lion King and a slap-stick routine from The Incredibles which left us on just the right note - all smiling and giggling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All the characters returned to the ice for the finale and to wave a sad goodbye until next time. &nbsp;We've already decided that seeing the Frozen special is a MUST this Easter. &nbsp;Check <a href="http://www.disney.co.uk/disney-on-ice/magical-ice-festival/tickets.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> for tickets to Disney on Ice Magical Ice Festival.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the most surreal sights is to see hundreds and hundreds of mini Disney characters spilling out from the O2 and roads jammed with little girls in princess dresses and boys in Woody outfits, but after fighting our way through the crowds we headed to our hotel, <a href="http://www.expressgreenwich.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Holiday Inn Express</a> which was only a 10 minute stroll away from the arena. &nbsp;It was the perfect location for us and we had a very comfortable family room for the 3 of us for £90. &nbsp;We all had a great night's sleep and with free breakfast thrown in I was pretty impressed with the hotel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That evening we hopped on the bus using our travelcards and headed to Greenwich village, one of my favourite places in London. &nbsp;We had a fabulous Italian meal at <a href="http://www.bianco43.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bianco 42</a>, a small independent string of pizzerias. &nbsp;A rather lovely chilled Orvieto and a delicious pizza, the place was cosy and the staff very friendly and attentive to children.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Greenwich is a fabulous place to spend the day, with plenty to do from exploring the Cutty Sark to the wonders of the Royal Observatory. &nbsp;Enjoy the peace of the park and the spectacular views from the top of the hill, or mooch around the many independent shops and vintage boutiques around the market before catching the river boat into central London. &nbsp;If you're planning a trip to the O2, it's definitely worth a stay over.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Disclosure: </b>We paid for all our tickets ourselves and any views expressed are personal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For more reviews on the Disney On Ice show, check out <a href="http://marisworld.co.uk/index.php/2014/12/28/disney-ice-100-years-magic/" target="_blank">Mari's World</a> and <a href="http://www.tiredmummyoftwo.co.uk/travels/disney-on-ice-100-years-of-magic" target="_blank">Tired Mummy Of Two</a> to see what they thought.</div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-53786125519692463412015-01-05T13:42:00.000+00:002015-01-05T13:42:21.209+00:00Magpie Monday - A Clean Sweep<div style="text-align: justify;">Happy thrifty new year to you!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/magpie-monday-charity-shop-christmas.html" target="_blank">promised</a> before Christmas, Magpie Monday is back on the first Monday of each month, sharing my second-hand finds and helping us discover other's treasure and beautiful new blogs through the linky, so do please hook up any pre-loved items you've rescued lately.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The new year is often a time of resolutions, promises to do and be better. &nbsp;I'm not huge on resolutions, but I am going to make a concerted effort to live by the doctrine of the great William Morris - have nothing in your home you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Incidentally, we visited the <a href="http://www.wmgallery.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Morris Gallery</a> just before Christmas and had a fabulous day out, if you're in London pop along to Walthamstow and go see for yourself.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, I digress. &nbsp;The annual-panicked-clear-up-the-house-before-Christmas - which generally consists of cramming everything into boxes and stashing them into the loft or garage - proved to me that I have waaaaaay too much stuff. &nbsp;I must be more disciplined and stop buying things just because they're a bargain. &nbsp;Unless I absolutely HAVE to have it, it's staying on the shop shelf, and that includes charity shops. &nbsp;I know, I've said it before, but this is the year of the garage conversion and pretty soon I won't have anywhere left to hide things so I'm going to have to try.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These beauties were bought at a jumble sale before Christmas, and even with my new self-imposed rule, I think I'd have still bought them. Especially as they were only 50p each!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3iWwWqlddA/VKqSzvx8-zI/AAAAAAAAWMw/wD0K-0JVo3I/s1600/silver%2Bbrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3iWwWqlddA/VKqSzvx8-zI/AAAAAAAAWMw/wD0K-0JVo3I/s1600/silver%2Bbrush.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The little dustpan and brush is for sweeping crumbs from the table. &nbsp;Our table tends to be covered more in splashes and spills than delicate little crumbs so I doubt that it will be used for it's intended purpose. &nbsp; However, with a small child about, there's always little accidents to sweep up, so I'm sure it will come in handy - see useful AND beautiful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psDCBFtw2k4/VKqS-Ib7kgI/AAAAAAAAWM4/18OpMAXmDYY/s1600/silver%2Bdish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psDCBFtw2k4/VKqS-Ib7kgI/AAAAAAAAWM4/18OpMAXmDYY/s1600/silver%2Bdish.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The little silver plate dish was also too pretty to leave behind, and I'm sure you'll see it cropping up in a blog photo or two in the future.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Incidentally, Christmas and January sale shopping reinforced to me the fact that I abhor 'normal' shops. &nbsp;I find them so uninspiring with their rows and rows of identical products. &nbsp;The only thing I've found in one lately to make my heart sing was these tiny little fairy dust stoppered pots of glitter. &nbsp;Only £1 for 8 from The Works. &nbsp;Who knew you could be so happy for such little money?!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please join me and link up your second-hand finds so I can pop over and say hi. &nbsp;Grab the badge and join the linky.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">See you back here on 2nd February - happy thrifting.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy135/missielizzie/magpiemonday_zpsd91edcbd.jpg" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><textarea cols="20" name="Magpie Monday" rows="9"><a href="http://www.missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy135/missielizzie/magpiemonday_zpsd91edcbd.jpg"/></a></textarea><br /><br /><link href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&amp;owner=missielizzie&amp;postid=05Jan2015&amp;meme=7274" type="text/javascript"></script>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-24901281293147300292014-12-21T21:08:00.002+00:002014-12-21T21:08:29.767+00:00At the movies this Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">We've recently been spending a fair bit of time at the cinema, so I thought it was worth reviewing the current offerings for kids at your local multiplex. &nbsp;Stand by for me to go all Claudia Winkleman on you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's our thoughts on the new Tinkerbell movie, Paddington and Get Santa.</div><br /><b>Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS7SD33m9zo/VJcnfHl9buI/AAAAAAAAWLw/3sM65Xzw1uY/s1600/TINKERBELL%2BLOTN_UKPoster_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS7SD33m9zo/VJcnfHl9buI/AAAAAAAAWLw/3sM65Xzw1uY/s1600/TINKERBELL%2BLOTN_UKPoster_Final.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div><b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Whilst not especially Christmassy, this is a thought-provoking movie and the latest in the Tinkerbell series and is well worth a watch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The main character this time is the feisty but caring Fawn the animal fairy who has a special affinity with all beasts. &nbsp;Venturing into the dark cave she discovers the injured Neverbeast, and after fixing his wound, slowly but surely builds his trust and gains his friendship.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The rest of Pixie Hollow fear for their safety, but only Fawn can see past the scary face, and see what's in Neverbeast's heart.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has the potential to be a hugely uplifting movie with morals of never judging a book by it's cover, the importance of understanding when to listen to your head or your heart, when to admit you're wrong, and most of all, the importance of doing the right thing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Younger viewers may find it difficult to follow in places - I found myself having to give a quick science lesson about lightning and conductivity - and those of a sensitive disposition will more than likely shed a tear at the end. &nbsp;Not wishing to give the game away, it's not exactly a bereavement, but near as, and incredibly sad.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Overall, we found this a fun and action-packed movie, with gentle laughs and big messages.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We rate it 4/5.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ofvJ7KyulPA" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Paddington</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The much anticipated Paddington movie will appeal to adults of my generation who remember the 2D cartoon drawings and the unmistakable narration of Micheal Horden, as well as a whole new generation of younger viewers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Paddington Bear has had a makeover, he's been CGI'd and his face is altogether more 'beary' but it doesn't take long to acclimatise yourself.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACuUjmqvq0Q/VJcwBSMmoAI/AAAAAAAAWMA/VKdnz58j_i8/s1600/paddington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACuUjmqvq0Q/VJcwBSMmoAI/AAAAAAAAWMA/VKdnz58j_i8/s1600/paddington.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From the opening scenes in deepest darkest Peru where we see his pre-London life with Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo, there's an almost Jungle Book feel to the frivolity and some of the bizarre Heath Robinson contraptions they've rigged up to make a bear's life easier.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be prepared to shed a tear or two as natural disaster befalls the bears and sets Paddington off on his journey to London.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once arrived on our shores, much adventure awaits once he's taken in by the Brown family - reluctantly on Mr Brown's part, but the kooky Mrs Brown is keen to show the famous welcoming British characteristics Paddington's long heard about.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a film full of belly laughs, slapstick comedy which will have kids (and pretty much most adults in our cinema) screaming with delight and exclaiming with disgust.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's been much debate about whether it warrants it's PG rating, and I personally don't believe it does. &nbsp;It's been suggested that Nicole Kidman's taxidermist character is too scary for little minds, but frankly I don't see her as any different to Cruella De Ville or Captain Du Bois from the Madagascar movie. &nbsp;You need an 'evil' for good to conquer anyway but in fact, I found Kidman's portrayal of the character pretty lame.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She was outshone by Hugh Bonneville as Mr Brown, who plays an excellently uptight Englishman, Sally Hawkins as the bohemian Mrs Brown whose entire wardrobe I coveted, and the inimitable &nbsp;Julie Walters as all-knowing Mrs Bird.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As much as this was a story about the loveable bear and the nation's acceptance of foreign visitors it was an unfolding love-story of Mr and Mrs Brown who've slipped into the inevitable married life rut. &nbsp;As Mr Brown shakes off his over-cautious personality and re-discovers his sense of adventure, so the flame is rekindled.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Showing a dysfunctional family, the typical teenage angsts of parental embarrassments and the need for acceptance from peers, it's simply a delightful tale of Britishness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We absolutely loved this movie, it's the first time in longer than I can remember where the whole audience erupted into applause at the end and we rate it 5/5.</div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7bZFr2IA0Bo" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><b>Get Santa</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Definitely the most Christmassy of the showings at the flicks this year, this is another heart-warming and thoroughly British film.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Starring the wonderful Jim Broadbent as Santa who has accidentally crash-landed while testing his new sleigh, he needs the help of young Tom and his dad Steve who's freshly released from Her Majesty's pleasure.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hF8ljJbrGzQ/VJczfs_na3I/AAAAAAAAWMM/IDvx-ie3pRU/s1600/GET%2BSANTA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hF8ljJbrGzQ/VJczfs_na3I/AAAAAAAAWMM/IDvx-ie3pRU/s1600/GET%2BSANTA.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The poignant story of the estranged dad and his determination to prove himself a reliable and worthy father takes them on an action-packed race against the clock to save Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But will he believe he's the real Santa? &nbsp;Will anyone?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">More tears, this time when Santa is wrongly banged up in prison for trying to rescue his reindeer, and proves he's the real deal to hardened inmates by revealing their childhood secrets and opening up long forgotten memories.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's no getting away from the farting reindeer, and let's face it what child doesn't find farting highly hysterical?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Excellent performances by Jim Broadbent who makes a very convincing Santa and Rafe Spall as the desperate dad, but also from Kit Connor who plays 9 year old Tom trying to rebuild his life while his dad's been inside for 2 years and his mum's life has moved on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's real magic in the film, and we finally get explanations for how the reindeer fly, what the Northern Lights really are and how all the letters get to the North Pole. In my opinion the only thing spoiling it is the rather Benny Hill stlye antics of the police and the probation officer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Definitely one to get you in the mood for Christmas, and where else can you see farting reindeer? &nbsp;We rate it 4/5.</div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_2EFmDpNqd8" width="560"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have you seen anything at the flicks lately? &nbsp;Got any recommendations for us?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Disclosure:</b> We attended a gala screening of the Tinkerbell movie but the others were at our own expense. &nbsp;All opinions are my own.</div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-90272981646113314162014-12-19T12:10:00.000+00:002014-12-19T12:10:41.791+00:00Make your own Marshmallows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-V3n7SCw4o/VJQRbNsNjxI/AAAAAAAAWK0/noDRUrzFN9k/s1600/marshmallow%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-V3n7SCw4o/VJQRbNsNjxI/AAAAAAAAWK0/noDRUrzFN9k/s1600/marshmallow%2Bfinal.jpg" height="506" width="640" /></a></div><br />Marshmallow recipes aren't something you often see people talking about, so I had assumed they were incredibly difficult to make and would perhaps require magical ingredients and equipment.<br /><br />However, Sainsbury's now sell their own DIY kits so I thought I'd give it a go.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6lunuosiVg/VJQUJINzTbI/AAAAAAAAWLA/PWkpXL8YO2U/s1600/marshmallow%2Bbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6lunuosiVg/VJQUJINzTbI/AAAAAAAAWLA/PWkpXL8YO2U/s1600/marshmallow%2Bbox.jpg" height="640" width="542" /></a></div><br />Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without bowls of sweeties and treats dotted about the house, and what better than light and fluffy marshmallows in snow white to pop into your mouth as the mood takes you.<br /><br />Turns out, they are incredibly simple and quite quick to make - you need to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before cutting, but the actual making part only takes about 20 minutes.<br /><br />They'd make a lovely personal handmade gift too presented in a cellophane bag or pretty box, and just right for a last minute present.<br /><br />As I said, the process is so simple, just boiling the sugar, dissolving the gelatine and whisking together. &nbsp;The kit contains everything you need, you just need your own square tin and some cling film.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOZLLlpqO0k/VJQUdBtMRtI/AAAAAAAAWLI/3T5_p5GQquA/s1600/marshmallow%2Bsugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOZLLlpqO0k/VJQUdBtMRtI/AAAAAAAAWLI/3T5_p5GQquA/s1600/marshmallow%2Bsugar.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPiIDDL6j98/VJQUjeO1WxI/AAAAAAAAWLQ/9Wd0I9r0iEA/s1600/marshmallow%2Bwhisk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPiIDDL6j98/VJQUjeO1WxI/AAAAAAAAWLQ/9Wd0I9r0iEA/s1600/marshmallow%2Bwhisk.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2mQjoBJo4A/VJQUpEZWdZI/AAAAAAAAWLY/sRgdFepMPbg/s1600/marshmallow%2Bcut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2mQjoBJo4A/VJQUpEZWdZI/AAAAAAAAWLY/sRgdFepMPbg/s1600/marshmallow%2Bcut.jpg" height="640" width="548" /></a></div><br />Frankly, the hardest part was turning it out from the cling film lined tin and cutting it up, but that's because I was a little frightened of it. &nbsp;As it happens, marshmallow is quite robust stuff and can take a bit of tough love, you've just got to go for it.<br /><br />The kitchen did look a bit like a snowstorm afterwards with all the icing sugar flying around, but then I'm not the tidiest of cooks. &nbsp;It did however result in possibly the best bowl licking session of my life - warm, melty mallow straight from the spoon - ahhhhhh.<br /><br />And the final result? &nbsp;Delightful pillowy soft marshmallows - little squares of heaven. &nbsp;Now I've made my first batch I fancy getting more adventurous with flavours, colours and shapes. &nbsp;Cut with cookie cutters into different shapes they'd be even prettier and swirling through some lemon curd or Christmas candy canes to add colour and flavour is my next plan.<br /><br />Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go and make a fire so I can try toasting these babies.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqdtS01IPWY/VJQU0HsHg7I/AAAAAAAAWLg/m5qmOkO7Svg/s1600/Marshmallow%2Bclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqdtS01IPWY/VJQU0HsHg7I/AAAAAAAAWLg/m5qmOkO7Svg/s1600/Marshmallow%2Bclose.jpg" height="640" width="506" /></a></div><br /><b>Disclosure:</b> The marshmallow kit is available in store from <a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/sainsburys-vanilla-marshmallow-kit-100g?langId=44&amp;storeId=10151&amp;krypto=gk91QEN4AQEbepEZP8cyrrGr9Ud0ZWwqGGSB1i0LRpLHP9XA0I3uJF6UCupL2SU9Lgi7M1oVqfiE%0ApWw8wkjBulAUtcE4GbrsJiLuYzJtq4jvbhj3aaFbZfMDVMeyo2XF&amp;ddkey=http:gb/groceries/sainsburys-vanilla-marshmallow-kit-100g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sainsbury's</a>&nbsp;priced at £2.50. &nbsp;Not suitable for vegetarians. I was sent a kit for the purposes of this review.<br /><br />Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-49083618182996914972014-12-16T16:05:00.002+00:002014-12-16T16:05:48.739+00:00Have a DIY Christmas with Worx - Power Tool Giveaway<div style="text-align: justify;">With the trend for a homemade Christmas, power tool firm <a href="https://www.worx.com/en-GB/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worx</a> are asking us to take on the challenge of making a gift this yuletide.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do you remember receiving a homemade present as a child? &nbsp;I certainly do. &nbsp;I remember the much-loved rag doll my mum made for me and the beautiful doll's house my dad toiled for hours in the freezing cold garage making me. &nbsp;He'd crafted the doors and windows, the stairs and even wired it up so it had working lights. &nbsp;I can't say I remember too many other gifts I got as a child, all those games and mass produced toys fade in my memory, but those two items which had taken hours and hours to painstakingly make will always be remembered.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Worx have come up with three projects, complete with comprehensive instructions and videos that you can make your child this year. &nbsp;There's a simple pair of stilts, a pull-along wooden dog which is a little more challenging and for those who like to think big, there's plans for a doll's house.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We tackled the stilts and they really were straightforward, and took only about 10-15 minutes to assemble. &nbsp;I love that you can customise or decorate them how you want, and I spent some time painting them for Ruby.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm so pleased with how they've turned out, what do you think?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSyQUayCTvE/VJBW6XmKGoI/AAAAAAAAWJ4/1Fz3DdFBexg/s1600/worx%2Bblocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSyQUayCTvE/VJBW6XmKGoI/AAAAAAAAWJ4/1Fz3DdFBexg/s1600/worx%2Bblocks.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zN9dOUHntVU/VJBXFpfjoZI/AAAAAAAAWKA/8cGrlZP4klA/s1600/workx%2Bstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zN9dOUHntVU/VJBXFpfjoZI/AAAAAAAAWKA/8cGrlZP4klA/s1600/workx%2Bstand.jpg" height="598" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We used the <a href="https://www.worx.com/en-gb/Worxsaw-Compact-Circular-Saw.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worxsaw</a> circular saw which has a very useful laser light, perfect for guiding your straight cuts. &nbsp;It has adjustable saw cut depth and is powerful but so small and lightweight it can be used one handed. &nbsp;Capable of cutting wood, tiles, brick, plasterboard and metal it's perfect for the hobby DIYer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkcATynRvZk/VJBYEeBw33I/AAAAAAAAWKI/n_8lPbV4be8/s1600/Worx%2Bsaw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkcATynRvZk/VJBYEeBw33I/AAAAAAAAWKI/n_8lPbV4be8/s1600/Worx%2Bsaw1.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We also used the <a href="http://www.worx.com/en-GB/Sonicrafter-F30-Multi-Tool.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worx Sonicrafter</a> as a powerful and compact mini sander, but it has lots of other uses too including cutting pipes and removing tile grout.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OH8ZUY7VCUA/VJBYL4pjEEI/AAAAAAAAWKQ/RGhizT358qw/s1600/Worx%2Bsander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OH8ZUY7VCUA/VJBYL4pjEEI/AAAAAAAAWKQ/RGhizT358qw/s1600/Worx%2Bsander.jpg" height="334" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDiVwRQW6Ts/VI9OzLjjeiI/AAAAAAAAWJI/WkmYFFrtLcQ/s1600/Worx%2Bmeasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDiVwRQW6Ts/VI9OzLjjeiI/AAAAAAAAWJI/WkmYFFrtLcQ/s1600/Worx%2Bmeasure.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2va53xjDWtk/VI9O7RfHYhI/AAAAAAAAWJQ/9R8-L5F6-K4/s1600/worx%2Bsaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2va53xjDWtk/VI9O7RfHYhI/AAAAAAAAWJQ/9R8-L5F6-K4/s1600/worx%2Bsaw.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiAwF3Oovj8/VI9PCM4u12I/AAAAAAAAWJY/VyuIcfNC4iI/s1600/Worx%2Bsanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiAwF3Oovj8/VI9PCM4u12I/AAAAAAAAWJY/VyuIcfNC4iI/s1600/Worx%2Bsanding.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGJ-zYT22PM/VI9PPga6FnI/AAAAAAAAWJo/T6n6CPi9jIk/s1600/worx%2Bmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGJ-zYT22PM/VI9PPga6FnI/AAAAAAAAWJo/T6n6CPi9jIk/s1600/worx%2Bmark.jpg" height="640" width="546" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The full details can be found on this video, and there's a link on the youtube with all the written instructions and dimensions.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Fto1RT6tR5E" width="560"></iframe> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Further projects can be found on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBm4k5E8nkd1Z2GXdPAcA7A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worx channel</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To get you started, Worx are offering you the chance to win a Worx SD Cordless screwdriver. &nbsp;Perfect for all those little DIY jobs round the house, or for crafting a Christmas gift of your own. It's pre-loaded with 6 different bits and the easy to operate slide action means you can flip from flat-head to Phillips quickly and easily. &nbsp;It has a built in light making it perfect for those tricky jobs or working in poor light.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZnm6iWNnNY/VI9M_dCwJaI/AAAAAAAAWI8/-f19oDhmtj8/s1600/Worx%2BSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZnm6iWNnNY/VI9M_dCwJaI/AAAAAAAAWI8/-f19oDhmtj8/s1600/Worx%2BSD.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">To be in with a chance of winning, complete the rafflecopter below before midnight on Sunday 21st December 2014.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Open to UK entrants only. &nbsp;One winner will be selected at random. &nbsp;The prize is supplied and fulfilled by Worx. <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="088289c234" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/088289c234/" id="rcwidget_wus041s4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Disclosure:</b> The prize is kindly supplied by Worx and we received the tools to complete the project outlined above.</div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-68790606444491800252014-12-12T11:09:00.003+00:002014-12-12T11:09:55.835+00:00Support Save The Children with this cute Christmas book from Costa Coffee<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9N6gCPO70Zg/VIrH1dsJw4I/AAAAAAAAWIQ/mwCnmZ5TQbQ/s1600/Costa%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9N6gCPO70Zg/VIrH1dsJw4I/AAAAAAAAWIQ/mwCnmZ5TQbQ/s1600/Costa%2Bbook.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Costa Coffee are this year supporting Save The Children's Christmas Jumper Day. Today, up and down the land people will be wearing their festive sweaters to raise money for a great cause.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But don't worry if you've missed the boat or your workplace/school (or in my case, working from home!) prevents you from joining in the frivolity, there's another great way to support the campaign.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next time you pop into Costa Coffee (and let's face it, most of us are never far away from a Costa), pick up their adorable little book 'The Best Christmas Jumper'.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtkkfhBS09g/VIrKLzLfbPI/AAAAAAAAWIs/UhKUUf0iJ0A/s1600/Costa%2Bbook%2Binside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtkkfhBS09g/VIrKLzLfbPI/AAAAAAAAWIs/UhKUUf0iJ0A/s1600/Costa%2Bbook%2Binside.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Priced at only £1.50 it's a great little stocking filler or gift for a class mate and you can feel warm and glowy knowing that £1.17 of that cost will go directly to Save The Children to help with their <a href="http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/reading?UK1011001&amp;utm_campaign=ukreading&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_source=ukreadingpetitionppc2015&amp;sissr=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read on, Get on campaign</a> helping improve the literacy skills of disadvantaged children in the UK.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Join our national mission to ensure every child in the UK is a confident reader by age 11. Reading is the key to unlocking a child’s full potential and one of the best routes out of poverty for our poorest children. Yet in our country today too many children, including 40% of our poorest children, leave&nbsp;</span></span><span style="line-height: 15px;">primary</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">&nbsp;school without being able to read well. &nbsp;- Save the Children</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">The story is a charming Christmas tale, featuring Santa, Snowman, Reindeer and Elf (you may recognise them as the coffee cup characters), who discover that working together as a team is the key to&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 15px;">success. &nbsp;A perfect book for Christmas bedtime reading or for your book advents.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sS_FmnXNN1g/VIrIFbaxE1I/AAAAAAAAWIg/6b5-DrYRU6k/s1600/costa%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sS_FmnXNN1g/VIrIFbaxE1I/AAAAAAAAWIg/6b5-DrYRU6k/s1600/costa%2Bbed.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Written by&nbsp;</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418283418046_82626">&nbsp;award-winning children’s writer</span>&nbsp;Rachel Bright&nbsp;author of the Love Monster series,&nbsp;and illustrated by&nbsp;Vicki Gausden&nbsp;of Noisy Circus fame. &nbsp;It's suitable for tiny tots and young readers. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We loved it! &nbsp;And I'll be popping out to buy more for stocking fillers, knowing that the money will be going to a good cause.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Disclosure:</b> We were sent a 'bedtime pack' including a copy of the book by Costa.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-91186472441468716002014-12-09T09:28:00.000+00:002014-12-09T09:28:45.864+00:00Folded Mince Pies<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljRUbdtz9Dw/VIXP5I3LgVI/AAAAAAAAWG4/iDb1cawZeso/s1600/mince%2Bpies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljRUbdtz9Dw/VIXP5I3LgVI/AAAAAAAAWG4/iDb1cawZeso/s1600/mince%2Bpies.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-6v9zYMHnw/VIXROdFssbI/AAAAAAAAWHI/2wMqSxQJCEA/s1600/mince%2Bpie%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-6v9zYMHnw/VIXROdFssbI/AAAAAAAAWHI/2wMqSxQJCEA/s1600/mince%2Bpie%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have a strange relationship with mince pies it has to be said. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I adore mincemeat, I could eat it all year round. &nbsp;On occasions I can be found hiding in the pantry with a spoon, shovelling the stuff into my mouth direct from the jar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">However, mince pies? Not so much. &nbsp;I can't abide the shop bought ones with inches thick of cloying pastry, you know, the ones which are more of a chore to consume than a pleasure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I've never mastered the art of the homemade mince pie, producing either an undercooked offering with a soggy bottom, or else the filling busts forth, frothing and bubbling into a scalding hot mess, burning thick and dark onto the pastry top ruining the entire thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So this year, I'm trying something different. &nbsp;Something altogether lighter in the mouth and foolproof in the oven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I kind of Christmas samosa if you will.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I discovered this delicious hedgerow mincemeat from <a href="http://www.wildatheartfoods.co.uk/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wild at Heart</a> at the Christmas London Foodies Festival last week. &nbsp;I love the story behind the firm, two friends who left the corporate world to focus on a more family-friendly business, harnessing their love of foraging and their shared interest in good food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Their hedgerow mincemeat is made with crab apples and elderberries, as well as the more traditional raisins. &nbsp;It's delicate and fruity and the lack of suet means it's not only suitable for vegetarians, but it makes the whole texture so much lighter. &nbsp;There's a beautiful zingy citrus freshness from the orange and lemon, and those who don't usually like rich, heavy mincemeat should definitely give this a try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RBnLb7VJXc/VIXR4irpPMI/AAAAAAAAWHU/noZnvOothsA/s1600/mince%2Bpie%2Bmince%2Bmeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RBnLb7VJXc/VIXR4irpPMI/AAAAAAAAWHU/noZnvOothsA/s1600/mince%2Bpie%2Bmince%2Bmeat.jpg" height="640" width="620" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qe2c4ItQeg/VIYAc4OXy5I/AAAAAAAAWIA/Ulwz14w1W_A/s1600/mince%2Bpie%2Bingredients%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qe2c4ItQeg/VIYAc4OXy5I/AAAAAAAAWIA/Ulwz14w1W_A/s1600/mince%2Bpie%2Bingredients%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="536" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Ingredients </b>for 10-15 'folded mince pies' - depending on size:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Pack of filo pastry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Jar of hedgerow mincemeat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">30g melted butter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">NB one 260g jar of hedgerow mincemeat will do about half a pack of filo pastry, so just take half the sheets and re-wrap the remainder straight away and freeze for use another time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees. &nbsp;Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Place your butter in a saucepan over a gentle heat to melt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Cut your pile of pastry sheets into long strips. &nbsp;I cut mine into three but you could cut them into 4 piles of strips if you want smaller, bite-sized parcels. I find it easier to use scissors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Work quickly before the filo pastry dries out. &nbsp;For each parcel use two layers of pastry. &nbsp;Fold up the top one and using a pastry brush, brush melted butter onto the second sheet so the top sheet sticks to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Then brush melted butter along all four sides of the rectangular strip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Place a teaspoon of mincemeat near the bottom corner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gj0dAvpvfNw/VIXSfkS4zhI/AAAAAAAAWHc/MQJM24jlPus/s1600/mince%2Bpies%2Bmake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gj0dAvpvfNw/VIXSfkS4zhI/AAAAAAAAWHc/MQJM24jlPus/s1600/mince%2Bpies%2Bmake.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fold over the pastry to form a triangle, pressing down lightly at the edges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ3nBkW_IVc/VIXTTaQDkDI/AAAAAAAAWHo/ZgcLE5E4eXQ/s1600/mince%2Bpie%2Bfold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ3nBkW_IVc/VIXTTaQDkDI/AAAAAAAAWHo/ZgcLE5E4eXQ/s1600/mince%2Bpie%2Bfold.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Next, fold upwards, and continue folding in a triangular shape all the way up the strip, pressing down on the edges to seal as you go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Once your parcel is fully wrapped, place onto your baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper and give a brush all over each parcel with more melted butter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Bake your folded mince pies for approximately 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Sieve over icing sugar and allow to cool a little before serving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiJnoQUwwJQ/VIXTzFfcvtI/AAAAAAAAWHw/yJu7wOLRRZU/s1600/mince%2Bpies%2Bplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiJnoQUwwJQ/VIXTzFfcvtI/AAAAAAAAWHw/yJu7wOLRRZU/s1600/mince%2Bpies%2Bplate.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hedgerow mincemeat can be purchased online from <a href="http://www.wildatheartfoods.co.uk/product-category/christmas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wild at Heart</a> and costs £4 a jar.<br /><br />I received a free sample at the food festival.Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-46051019952401557472014-12-08T12:57:00.002+00:002014-12-08T12:57:09.617+00:00Littlest Pet Shop Play Sets Review<div style="text-align: justify;">There was much excitement in our house when a huge bundle of Littles Pet Shop play sets arrived from Hasbro. &nbsp;Ruby has quite a few of the figurines already - they make great pocket money toys - but we didn't have any of the larger toys or sets so this was like Christmas come early.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6YxQsYwclY/VIWZjPicJZI/AAAAAAAAWF0/npyZeWtRjbM/s1600/LPS%2Ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6YxQsYwclY/VIWZjPicJZI/AAAAAAAAWF0/npyZeWtRjbM/s1600/LPS%2Ball.jpg" height="506" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">There are lots of different toys in the&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://www.hasbro.com/littlestpetshop/en_GB/shop/browse.cfm" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">LPS Your World range</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">, and they all aim to encourage&nbsp;</span></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">imaginative</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">&nbsp;play. &nbsp;There's lots of opportunity to design the room sets your own way and customise them.</span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Watching the TV show or the new app for inspiration, or simply designing from your imagination, you can create your own little world of LPS buildings.</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">All the sets come flat packed and some adult assistance was required to make them up. &nbsp;However, all three of the sets we had are assembled in broadly the same way, so once we'd mastered one it was fairly straightforward.</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">There are a huge amount of teeny tiny pieces so these toys are not suitable if you have young children around, and some of the parts would not hold up to boisterous or clumsy play - for example the scene backgrounds are card so you need to be a little careful handling them. &nbsp;However, Ruby is playing with them&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">respectfully as she loves them, so I expect them to last.</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Blythe's Bedroom&nbsp;</b></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">RRP £29.99</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr75IVvJ5lw/VIWa66DuxpI/AAAAAAAAWGI/NnuIhJ8AnIk/s1600/LSP%2BBlyth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr75IVvJ5lw/VIWa66DuxpI/AAAAAAAAWGI/NnuIhJ8AnIk/s1600/LSP%2BBlyth.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Blythe is the main character and can talk to animals. &nbsp;She has a special relationship with all the little pets but is kind and caring to her human friends too. &nbsp;She loves fashion and her bedroom is an extension of her fashionista style. &nbsp;Arrange the furniture how you like, add stickers to customise or flip the background to turn it into a stage setting.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS2wvul-zCc/VIWZ9Sp6oYI/AAAAAAAAWF8/k7MhpKdJo2k/s1600/photo-46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS2wvul-zCc/VIWZ9Sp6oYI/AAAAAAAAWF8/k7MhpKdJo2k/s1600/photo-46.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">This set comes with over 90 different pieces as well as a Blythe doll and a Penny Ling pet figure.</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">We really liked the detail on this set with the little balcony front and window boxes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Spa Style Set&nbsp;</b></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">RRP £14.99</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">This set comes with Zoe Trent pet figure and lots of accessories to keep your Littlest Pets pampered and preened. &nbsp;There's a shower and bath for grooming, scissors, hair drier and spray as well as a mirror for admiring the finished look you've created. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTFqdr8nc64/VIWgFHoZS_I/AAAAAAAAWGo/gILPm8LuXeg/s1600/photo-50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTFqdr8nc64/VIWgFHoZS_I/AAAAAAAAWGo/gILPm8LuXeg/s1600/photo-50.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">As with the other sets, this stacks on top of others, or along side so you can create a whole town. &nbsp;The roof lifts up so you can access either from above or through the front to play.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dg7D3SMido/VIWcdvuYVUI/AAAAAAAAWGc/uD_C6iqXoV0/s1600/LPS%2Bsalon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dg7D3SMido/VIWcdvuYVUI/AAAAAAAAWGc/uD_C6iqXoV0/s1600/LPS%2Bsalon.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div><div><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Treat Bar Style Set&nbsp;</b></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">RRP £14.99</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">This set also comes with a Penny Ling character figure, but this time she's not so happy as she's spilt her ice cream! &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09NJIEommAA/VIWbaPJtiPI/AAAAAAAAWGQ/b592phNoxgs/s1600/LPS%2BPenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09NJIEommAA/VIWbaPJtiPI/AAAAAAAAWGQ/b592phNoxgs/s1600/LPS%2BPenny.jpg" height="640" width="530" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">There are bar stools, a 'glass' display cabinet and lots of pet treats to display inside.</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">As with the other sets, the sides of the room are interchangeable and the background is reversible, so along with the stickers provided there's lots of opportunity to design it your way.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iOO35M7FLyY" width="420"></iframe><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">These sets have certainly kept Ruby occupied. &nbsp;All of this past week she's got up in the morning and quietly played with them for an hour or so before coming downstairs - meaning these toys get bonus parent points for allowing lie-ins and unsupervised play!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I suspect there'll be a few more sets making their way onto her Christmas list now.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">All the sets are recommended for children from 6 years.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Ruby's enjoying playing on the <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/littlestpetshop/en_GB/play/app.cfm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LPS app</a> too. &nbsp;There is supposed to be a way to scan your pets so you can play with them 'in-game' (the pets with a paw print symbol are scannable) however we haven't managed to find how to use this feature yet. &nbsp;Perhaps you have to earn a certain amount of points before this feature is unlocked? &nbsp;I'm not sure, so if anyone knows please let me know!</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Overall the play sets were a big hit in this house.</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Disclosure:</b> We were sent the sets for the purposes of this review and a small fee for our time. All&nbsp;opinions are our own and the toys were tested by my daughter who is aged 6 3/4.&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-14243916059506498862014-12-04T20:11:00.002+00:002014-12-04T20:11:39.125+00:00Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Recipe<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFcCeNfFPkM/VICzH6i5EPI/AAAAAAAAWEw/8lGh8YuIq3U/s1600/Candy%2BCane%2BHot%2BChoc%2Brecipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFcCeNfFPkM/VICzH6i5EPI/AAAAAAAAWEw/8lGh8YuIq3U/s1600/Candy%2BCane%2BHot%2BChoc%2Brecipe.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I've gone a bit candy cane crazy here lately, what with my <a href="http://www.missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/rag-rug-christmas-wreath.html" target="_blank">candy cane Christmas wreath</a>, but they just scream Christmas to me and I wanted a treat for us, so this seemed perfect. &nbsp;Mint and chocolate are a winning combination always, and what could be nicer on a yuletide evening than a sweet and warming hot chocolate made with candy canes and real chocolate? &nbsp;Perfect to have after a busy day's Christmas shopping or snuggled in front of the fire. &nbsp;The candy canes give a mild mint flavour to the drink so even children should cope with this level of mintiness. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Melting the candy canes into the hot chocolate will make it even sweeter than usual, so I've opted for bitter dark chocolate, although if you have a particularly sweet tooth you could use regular milk chocolate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's always chocolate and candy canes knocking about this house at this time of year and this is a wonderfully different way to devour them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ingredients</b> (per mug - adjust accordingly to personal taste)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">50g chocolate</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 small mint flavoured candy cane</div><div style="text-align: justify;">200 ml milk</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whipped cream and marshmallows to serve (optional)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Break up your chocolate into small chunks (or use buttons or drops if you have them, they'll melt quicker).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wrap your candy canes in a clean tea towel and bash with a rolling pin to smash.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93OrsU84euQ/VIC8kBy4r5I/AAAAAAAAWFA/pwvCLwBLkcA/s1600/Candy%2Bcane%2Bcrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93OrsU84euQ/VIC8kBy4r5I/AAAAAAAAWFA/pwvCLwBLkcA/s1600/Candy%2Bcane%2Bcrush.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Reserve the larger chunks of candy cane for decorating, and pour the powdered candy cane into a saucepan along with the chocolate and milk.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Heat gently stirring all the time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuoFB-Gps-c/VIC9Raicw1I/AAAAAAAAWFI/4AqVva1BdwQ/s1600/hot%2Bchic%2Bmade%2Bpan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuoFB-Gps-c/VIC9Raicw1I/AAAAAAAAWFI/4AqVva1BdwQ/s1600/hot%2Bchic%2Bmade%2Bpan.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once all the chocolate has melted it's ready to pour into mugs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Decorate with whipped cream, marshmallows and the reserved shards of candy cane.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbzZgwx4eVM/VIC-G8kaHcI/AAAAAAAAWFU/EuynBqY7bqI/s1600/Hot%2Bchoc%2Bglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbzZgwx4eVM/VIC-G8kaHcI/AAAAAAAAWFU/EuynBqY7bqI/s1600/Hot%2Bchoc%2Bglass.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhPBOH34WBU/VIC-l732TPI/AAAAAAAAWFk/YqVZ1r9FavM/s1600/hot%2Bchic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhPBOH34WBU/VIC-l732TPI/AAAAAAAAWFk/YqVZ1r9FavM/s1600/hot%2Bchic.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-56598344205371863202014-12-02T12:46:00.001+00:002014-12-03T11:28:21.217+00:00Rag Rug Christmas Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2lQVAneiuQ/VH2y4JaiznI/AAAAAAAAWCg/aJpoV39E_Ug/s1600/Rag%2BRug%2BDoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2lQVAneiuQ/VH2y4JaiznI/AAAAAAAAWCg/aJpoV39E_Ug/s1600/Rag%2BRug%2BDoor.jpg" height="640" width="484" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I mentioned yesterday about <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/magpie-monday-charity-shop-christmas.html" target="_blank">thrifty Christmas decorations</a>,&nbsp;well I've also been learning to rag rug. &nbsp;A traditional craft, this is perfect for using up scraps of materials and old, worn clothing so it certainly appeals to my make-do-and-mend spirit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I recently spent a rather lovely day with Elspeth from <a href="http://ragged-life.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ragged Life</a>&nbsp;along with some other bloggers, <a href="http://kidschaos.com/" target="_blank">Ali</a>, <a href="http://www.redtedart.com/" target="_blank">Maggy</a>, <a href="http://www.mummymummymum.com/" target="_blank">Emma</a> and <a href="http://www.playlearneveryday.com/" target="_blank">Niki</a>. &nbsp;Elspeth taught us the techniques for rag rugging (both 'shaggy' and 'loopy'), as well as the best way to cut fabrics and gave us some inspiration to create our own Christmas projects.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's one that Elspeth bought along with her to give us an idea of what we could achieve.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wy1rccLKLyQ/VH2zFVIN_FI/AAAAAAAAWCo/ObRZt3w9dPc/s1600/finished%2Bwreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wy1rccLKLyQ/VH2zFVIN_FI/AAAAAAAAWCo/ObRZt3w9dPc/s1600/finished%2Bwreath.jpg" height="640" width="586" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We descended on her bags of fabric like maniacs, excited at the opportunity of a child-free crafting session, and armed with the tools of the trade, got ragging.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FH5ixlFOPrI/VH2zNxFvFNI/AAAAAAAAWCw/mmAVjDUpLwc/s1600/rag%2Brug%2Bmaterials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FH5ixlFOPrI/VH2zNxFvFNI/AAAAAAAAWCw/mmAVjDUpLwc/s1600/rag%2Brug%2Bmaterials.jpg" height="640" width="572" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Ragged life offer workshops so you can learn the skills yourself and they sell the gauges and hooks <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/raggedlifedesigns" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online</a> too. &nbsp;Or if you're not so crafty, you can buy a ready-made wreath from her Etsy shop.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'd thoroughly recommend attending a workshop. &nbsp;Elspeth is a great teacher and is really relaxed and will help you get the most out of your new-found skill. The techniques are easy to pick up and once I'd got started on my design I took it away to finish at home. &nbsp;In fact, with my little bag of scraps in my handbag, I continued on the tube on the way home!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzcgurjlh7I/VH2zXSdpOjI/AAAAAAAAWC4/4dtXgxKQnGg/s1600/rag%2Brug%2Bstarted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzcgurjlh7I/VH2zXSdpOjI/AAAAAAAAWC4/4dtXgxKQnGg/s1600/rag%2Brug%2Bstarted.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few more evenings in front of the telly and my circle was completed. &nbsp;I followed her <a href="http://ragged-life.com/make-rag-rug-wreath/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">instructions </a>online to make up the wreath and now it's proudly adorning my front door.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9t2B2VJk6s/VH2zmS-M-3I/AAAAAAAAWDA/U9c0rwHGQPU/s1600/wreath%2Bdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9t2B2VJk6s/VH2zmS-M-3I/AAAAAAAAWDA/U9c0rwHGQPU/s1600/wreath%2Bdoor.jpg" height="640" width="606" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the wreath, it's so tactile and looks really effective.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've already started snipping up scraps for my next project. &nbsp;It's so satisfying cutting up old fabric that's been hanging around, redundant for ages and transforming it into something beautiful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpONt_ckbio/VH2zyB97M4I/AAAAAAAAWDI/xsIAvDUbpL0/s1600/rag%2Brug%2Bfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpONt_ckbio/VH2zyB97M4I/AAAAAAAAWDI/xsIAvDUbpL0/s1600/rag%2Brug%2Bfabric.jpg" height="640" width="518" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Update! &nbsp;I've completed my second wreath! &nbsp;Inspired by some candy canes, I've made a red and white wreath and attached candy canes so visitors can help themselves. &nbsp;After the design was completed, I hooked some ribbon through the centre of each rosette and left it loose before attaching the backing board, hanging hook and felt to tidy the back up. &nbsp;Then simply tie the candy canes on with the ribbons. &nbsp;The wreath can be used year after year - just replace the sweets (if there's any left!).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaP_k9SREzc/VH7zU1-5SsI/AAAAAAAAWDY/iFqc_AUzV_Y/s1600/candy%2Bcane%2Bwreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaP_k9SREzc/VH7zU1-5SsI/AAAAAAAAWDY/iFqc_AUzV_Y/s1600/candy%2Bcane%2Bwreath.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uaz9YkW8q-E/VH7zjBINGQI/AAAAAAAAWDg/3TyIPsHxq_s/s1600/candy%2Bcane%2Bclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uaz9YkW8q-E/VH7zjBINGQI/AAAAAAAAWDg/3TyIPsHxq_s/s1600/candy%2Bcane%2Bclose.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you Elspeth for teaching me a new craft!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Purchase a full rag rug making kit from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/212740700/rag-rug-making-kit-with-instructional-cd?ref=shop_home_active_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> for £11.99 - a perfect gift for a crafty friend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Purchase a ready made Christmas wealth from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/210064773/white-festive-rag-rug-christmas-wreath?ref=shop_home_active_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> for £30.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Disclosure:</b> I was invited along to a workshop. &nbsp;All thoughts and opinions are my own.</div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-53391587061250897272014-12-01T13:18:00.000+00:002014-12-01T13:18:50.115+00:00Magpie Monday - Charity Shop Christmas PresentsYes, Magpie Monday is back!!!<br /><br />Brought out of retirement after a rather unpleasant exchange on Twitter from someone who was vehemently opposed to giving second-hand gifts. &nbsp;It transpires that she completely misunderstood me, but as she then blocked me she didn't see my further explanations, but what did cheer me was the huge positive response the discussion received from far and wide. &nbsp;I'm a passionate supporter of preloved items. &nbsp;My whole house is full of them and I see absolutely no reason why I can't buy gifts from charity shops too.<br /><br />I mean, it's a win:win isn't it? &nbsp;You get to make a contribution to a good cause as well as get some bargains at this expensive time of the year. &nbsp;I like that I can give a unique gift too, one that's had more thought put into it than simply plucking it off the shelf in the supermarket.<br /><br />I'm joining in with the <a href="http://www.salvationarmytrading.org/charitychallenge" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salvation Army's #MyCharityChallenge</a> to show you some of the great finds I've got from charity shops lately which will be given as festive gifts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ub4dlbWemjo/VHxZRmWT2OI/AAAAAAAAWAQ/91xD97sGz5I/s1600/my%2Bcharity%2Bchallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ub4dlbWemjo/VHxZRmWT2OI/AAAAAAAAWAQ/91xD97sGz5I/s1600/my%2Bcharity%2Bchallenge.jpg" height="320" width="194" /></a></div><br />Research shows that on average, Brits will budget to spend £208 on gifts and £32 on clothes for the big day ( and those stats are a few years old now so I suspect it's much higher this year). &nbsp;Wouldn't it be fabulous if we could all pledge to spend a proportion of that money in a charity shop to support a good cause? Imagine how much money could be raised for charity.<br /><br />It costs £9 for The Salvation Army to bring a homeless person in from the cold, £19 for a Christmas box for a family in need and £28 would pay for Christmas lunch for 5 older people giving them a meal and companionship on one of the loneliest days of the year.<br /><br />When you put it like that, really, why wouldn't you spend some of your gift budget in charity shops?<br /><br />There are rows and rows of fabulous party dresses, dinner jackets and children's outfits to buy for parties and Christmas day, and it's easy to find brand new items and gift sets in charity shops, which makes buying from there just as simple as buying from High Street stores. &nbsp;From my time running a charity shop I know that most stores will be squirrelling away decorations; good quality gift items; party clothes and new labelled goods all year just for the Christmas shoppers, so take a look and see what you can find.<br /><br />To hopefully encourage you further, I've put together a few gift ideas that I've sourced from various charity shops. <br /><br />With a bit of imagination, used items can make great gifts on their own, or to bulk out other purchases. &nbsp;There's nothing wrong with mixing old and new to make a unique gift.<br /><br /><b>Gift Ideas</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ovg99UGUbI/VHxcFV_OUFI/AAAAAAAAWAk/uXPES7cYGxw/s1600/herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ovg99UGUbI/VHxcFV_OUFI/AAAAAAAAWAk/uXPES7cYGxw/s1600/herbs.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b>Herb planter: Under £8</b><br />Old enamel bread bin - £1.99<br />Selection of herbs, 3 for 2 £1.25 each from supermarket<br /><br />Full of fragrant and vibrant herbs, wouldn't this planter make the perfect gift for a food loving friend?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5zIYqF_Lo8/VHxcnlQG1JI/AAAAAAAAWAw/74lS2mmT5L4/s1600/beer%2Bglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5zIYqF_Lo8/VHxcnlQG1JI/AAAAAAAAWAw/74lS2mmT5L4/s1600/beer%2Bglass.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div><br /><b>Beer and Nuts: Under £5</b><br />Glass tankard: 99p<br />Beer and peanuts from supermarket £3.80<br /><br />A lovely glass paired with a bottle of craft beer or seasonal ale and some peanuts and someone's all set for some nice R &amp; R! &nbsp;Incidentally, I spotted identical glasses in John Lewis for £18 each.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0iZO9i4Gpoo/VHxbRwnk4hI/AAAAAAAAWAc/1DDitgwgn4Y/s1600/rose%2Bdish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0iZO9i4Gpoo/VHxbRwnk4hI/AAAAAAAAWAc/1DDitgwgn4Y/s1600/rose%2Bdish.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b>Pretty Sweet Dish: Under £2</b><br />Floral trinket dish: 99p<br />Box of Turkish Delight: £1<br /><br />Using pretty charity shop finds to &nbsp;theme a gift is a great way of stretching your budget and giving a thoughtful token gift. &nbsp;This attractive rose patterned Portmerion trinket dish was a steal at 99p, with a quick wash it makes the perfect container for some rose flavoured sweets. &nbsp;Just wrap in cellophane with a pretty ribbon and when the sweets have gone, your recipient will still have a useful trinket dish to keep on their dressing table or desk.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwgv8_57oec/VHxeh5O2idI/AAAAAAAAWBM/VKHw2xDYbNs/s1600/sweet%2Btin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwgv8_57oec/VHxeh5O2idI/AAAAAAAAWBM/VKHw2xDYbNs/s1600/sweet%2Btin.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b>Sweet Tin: Under £3</b><br />Vintage Home Sweet Home Tin: 99p<br />Chocolates: £1.99<br /><br />Vintage tins are great to look out for for decanting wrapped sweets or chocolates or homemade cookies into. &nbsp;The tin makes a practical gift in itself too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibks6eIy0wE/VHxdiViIFcI/AAAAAAAAWA8/njzpe3U1TpM/s1600/decanter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibks6eIy0wE/VHxdiViIFcI/AAAAAAAAWA8/njzpe3U1TpM/s1600/decanter.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div><br /><b>Bath Decanter: Under £5</b><br />Glass decanter: £2.99<br />Bubble bath: £2<br /><br />You'll often find glass decanters in charity shops. &nbsp;We rarely use them anymore for wines and spirits but they make beautiful bathroom displays filled with colourful bubble baths. &nbsp;Go for delicate cut glass decanters or more pared down versions like this one. &nbsp;Make sure you secure the stopper with sellotape before wrapping to prevent spills.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym43dLFMGfg/VHxkewTmaXI/AAAAAAAAWB0/SwZ2YRVWNvw/s1600/garden%2Btools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym43dLFMGfg/VHxkewTmaXI/AAAAAAAAWB0/SwZ2YRVWNvw/s1600/garden%2Btools.jpg" height="640" width="560" /></a></div><br /><b>Mini gardening set: Under £2</b><br />Mini tool set: £1.99<br />Seeds: free with a magazine<br /><br />When we ripped out our old kitchen recently, we kept the old Belfast sink as a mini garden for Ruby. She's excited about having her own area to plant flowers and vegetables. &nbsp;This little set of fork and trowels is just the perfect stocking filler for her, and I've added some packs of seeds to get her started.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzSNB2KpDuM/VHxYW75lycI/AAAAAAAAWAA/EpBiCZQ5o7M/s1600/cardi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzSNB2KpDuM/VHxYW75lycI/AAAAAAAAWAA/EpBiCZQ5o7M/s1600/cardi.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Winter Wooly: Under £4</b><br />Angora Topshop Cardigan £3.99<br /><br />I was chuffed to find this super-soft angora shrug/shawl cardigan last week. &nbsp;It's in a beautiful pale sage colour and I'm quite tempted to keep it myself. &nbsp;Check out the brand new labels from Topshop, and I got it for only £3.99. &nbsp;Do look through the rails as you can often find things brand new with labels still on. &nbsp;If you're planing on gifting clothes this way though, do check it over thoroughly for any flaws, and make sure it will fit the person you're giving it to or be honest about where you purchased it from - you wouldn't want the embarrassment of them trying to exchange it only to be told "sorry we haven't sold that range since 2010!"<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oO663-53iSU/VHxj3_RukHI/AAAAAAAAWBs/rsgPM67Opg0/s1600/ella%2Bbandana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oO663-53iSU/VHxj3_RukHI/AAAAAAAAWBs/rsgPM67Opg0/s1600/ella%2Bbandana.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Pet bandana: Under £2</b><br />Square scarf: £1.99<br /><b><br /></b>We are a nation of pet lovers, and we're estimated to spend £1.7billion on our pets at Christmas!! &nbsp;Wouldn't it be better to spend some of that money with an animal charity and buy from one of their shops to support those animals who need care and love? &nbsp;I don't think I've ever been in a charity shop that doesn't have a scarf rail, I mean we rarely wear headscarves nowadays do we? &nbsp;Take a simple square scarf, fold it diagonally into a triangle (right sides together) and stitch around the sides leaving a small opening to turn it right side out. &nbsp;Hand stitch the opening close and hey-presto you have a super-quick and easy bandana for your stylish pooch for less than £2!<br /><br /><b>Teacup Gifts - under £5</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-btidrx3pMl8/VHxiTDxqwVI/AAAAAAAAWBg/8BiS4QWvcFM/s1600/teacups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-btidrx3pMl8/VHxiTDxqwVI/AAAAAAAAWBg/8BiS4QWvcFM/s1600/teacups.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div><br />Search for pretty vintage teacups that you can get crafty with. &nbsp;Either make some <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/hot-chocolate-spoons-you-sexy-thing.html" target="_blank">hot chocolate spoons</a> so the cups can be used as intended, or get upcycling! &nbsp;They can be turned into <a href="http://www.thecrazykitchen.co.uk/2011/12/teacup-candles.html" target="_blank">candles</a>, <a href="http://craftsonsea.co.uk/teacup-pincushion-tutorial/" target="_blank">pin cushions</a> or pretty <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/upcycled-kitchenalia-bird-feeders.html" target="_blank">bird feeders</a> like I did here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhMlqIU5BXs/VHxhaMipttI/AAAAAAAAWBY/gfx35AA7nik/s1600/teacup%2Bbird%2Bfeeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhMlqIU5BXs/VHxhaMipttI/AAAAAAAAWBY/gfx35AA7nik/s1600/teacup%2Bbird%2Bfeeder.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Gift Wrapping</b><br /><br />Each year we spend a fortune on gift wrapping paper, ribbons, gift tags and embellishments. &nbsp;Let's face it, most of it ends up ripped and in the bin (unless you're frugal like me and save the ribbons for the following year and save your cards to make gift tags). &nbsp;Why not wrap more ethically this year and not only save money and save waste, but raise some money for your favourite charity too.<br /><br />Scarves are a great eco way to wrap gifts, and chosen carefully can be part of the actual present too, not just rubbish to go into the bin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnx0UlNLFU0/VHxd-BqM2mI/AAAAAAAAWBE/Gsl5tXWmpQg/s1600/scarf%2Bwrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnx0UlNLFU0/VHxd-BqM2mI/AAAAAAAAWBE/Gsl5tXWmpQg/s1600/scarf%2Bwrap.jpg" height="640" width="526" /></a></div><br />Scour charity shops for old, damaged or out-of-date maps, A-Zs, atlases and OS maps. &nbsp;These make great wrapping paper and I bought 2 huge old atlases for 50p each which will give me tonnes of wrapping paper. &nbsp;You can personalise them too with countries or places your recipient has visited and I like the idea of using this old map of Greenland and The North Pole for Christmas wrapping!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0tVjZs4hGA/VHxlwzEy-LI/AAAAAAAAWCM/L_zSsK8ab1g/s1600/map%2Bwrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0tVjZs4hGA/VHxlwzEy-LI/AAAAAAAAWCM/L_zSsK8ab1g/s1600/map%2Bwrap.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></div><br /><br />Sewing patterns are also often found in charity shops. &nbsp;They make great wrap for crafty friends and relatives. &nbsp;The paper is very thin so either use it like tissue paper for filling and protecting, or use several layers to prevent your gift from peeping through. &nbsp;Finish with a stitched ribbon or better still, an old measuring tape if you can find one. &nbsp;I paid 25p per pattern and there's loads of sheets in each pack.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b9II4S61W78/VHxlVBUZjbI/AAAAAAAAWCE/Or_6tWnlF2M/s1600/sewing%2Bpattern%2Bpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b9II4S61W78/VHxlVBUZjbI/AAAAAAAAWCE/Or_6tWnlF2M/s1600/sewing%2Bpattern%2Bpaper.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Decorations</b><br /><br />Again, you can spend a fortune on decorations each year. &nbsp;But many charity shops will have selections of baubles and decorations for sale. &nbsp;If you're lucky you might find some vintage glass baubles, although these do get snapped up quickly.<br /><br />Or, get creative with your decorations. &nbsp;This Christmas tree is made from an old paperback book and cost me 50p plus a few hours idle folding in front of the TV. &nbsp;I think I might make some snips into it to make 'branches' and maybe add a sprinkling of glitter, but I'm pretty happy with my first attempt!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkGUAWHgeGo/VHxk8tQHqdI/AAAAAAAAWB8/dgoUXozgL4U/s1600/book%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkGUAWHgeGo/VHxk8tQHqdI/AAAAAAAAWB8/dgoUXozgL4U/s1600/book%2Btree.jpg" height="640" width="410" /></a></div><br /><br />So, have I convinced you to take a look in charity shops this Christmas? &nbsp;What will you find? &nbsp;Or are you a lover of thrifted items already?<br /><br />I hope you're happy to see Magpie Monday back out of semi retirement! &nbsp;I'm all fired up now to post on the first Monday of each month and I hope you'll join me in linking up your preloved finds.<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy135/missielizzie/magpiemonday_zpsd91edcbd.jpg" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><textarea cols="20" name="Magpie Monday" rows="9"><a href="http://www.missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy135/missielizzie/magpiemonday_zpsd91edcbd.jpg"/></a></textarea><br /><br /><link href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&amp;owner=missielizzie&amp;postid=01Dec2014&amp;meme=7274" type="text/javascript"></script>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015030219140669520.post-87301349179935753592014-11-28T10:30:00.003+00:002014-12-01T11:26:25.024+00:00enail - personalised nail varnish giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GrQvQZbb6E/VHhJGUIFmLI/AAAAAAAAV-8/_OYMg0d960E/s1600/enails%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GrQvQZbb6E/VHhJGUIFmLI/AAAAAAAAV-8/_OYMg0d960E/s1600/enails%2Bpic.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Who doesn't love gorgeous nail polish?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, what if you could select from a range of on-trend colours, have the bottles personalised with your own individual message; have then beautifully packaged and securely delivered by post? &nbsp;Sounds perfect right?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, you need to check out <a href="http://www.enail.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>enail</b></a> who do exactly that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to say, I'm super impressed with the service from start to finish.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The website is incredibly easy to navigate and it's straightforward to choose your 3 colours (well, after you've deliberated on which lush shades to pick). The step by step process allows you to choose from a range of pretty gift boxes and to personalise the bottles with your own message - whether that's a Christmas message for a friend, a birthday wish on a gift or just something warm and fuzzy to yourself. &nbsp;Hell, you can write whatever you like on it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you're sending this as a Christmas present, there's also the option to add a gift card with a message, and you can be safe in the knowledge it will be beautifully wrapped, securely packaged and delivered direct to the recipient.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTnp94uuRes/VHhOv2j9_bI/AAAAAAAAV_s/zTSJ_N7TWnI/s1600/photo-35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTnp94uuRes/VHhOv2j9_bI/AAAAAAAAV_s/zTSJ_N7TWnI/s1600/photo-35.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ET-4AaLzGdw/VHhJzAFIf2I/AAAAAAAAV_M/gIHwSLOZy6U/s1600/enail%2Bpolishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ET-4AaLzGdw/VHhJzAFIf2I/AAAAAAAAV_M/gIHwSLOZy6U/s1600/enail%2Bpolishes.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The polishes themselves are great quality, gliding on smoothly and covering evenly. &nbsp;I chose metallic shades, inspired by the peacock feather box I selected, and I love the sheen and sparkle they give. &nbsp;So far they appear to be hard-wearing and are resisting chips.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0wj9h0O6_k/VHhJ5sAfbRI/AAAAAAAAV_U/9X75bnJM6jg/s1600/enail%2Bnails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0wj9h0O6_k/VHhJ5sAfbRI/AAAAAAAAV_U/9X75bnJM6jg/s1600/enail%2Bnails.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I placed my order one day and they arrived the next so I can't fault them on speed of delivery either. &nbsp;You also get a free top coat with each order.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you'd like to place an order for yourself, or maybe as a Christmas gift, readers can use discount code DISC10 at checkout until 31 January 2015 for 10% off the regular price of £19.95.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition, I'm happy to say that the lovely people over at enail are giving one lucky reader a free set of 3 polishes which you can personalise yourself. To be in with a chance, simply complete the rafflecopter below. &nbsp;Leave me a comment to say which is your favourite colour. &nbsp;To do this, you'll need to go to the <a href="http://www.enail.co.uk/makeMyBottle.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">design page</a>, click on 'colours' and hover over your chosen colour to find the name.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.enail.co.uk/makeMyBottle.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riPl-T6ozAs/VHhLeUpVKrI/AAAAAAAAV_g/nKTCTUIxHuk/s1600/entails%2Bscreen%2Bshot.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One person will be chosen at random to receive a code for a free box of three polishes. &nbsp;Open to UK entrants only, giveaway closes at midnight on Saturday 6th December 2014. &nbsp;The prize will be fulfilled by enail.co.uk</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Best of luck!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="088289c233" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/088289c233/" id="rcwidget_kjtcow0k" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script> <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Disclosure: I was sent a box of 3 polishes for the purpose of this review. &nbsp;All opinions are my own.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Liz Burtonhttps://plus.google.com/108353637074461490194noreply@blogger.com80